The Most Beautiful Woman in the World?

If you've paid the slightest bit of attention to entertainment buzz in the last few months, you've probably heard of Aishwarya Rai. She's been featured in Time magazine, ABC's Nightline, appeared on The Early Show, David Letterman, 60 Minutes, and Oprah. She's the winner of the 1994 Miss World contest and has served as a jury member at Cannes. Julia Roberts has called her the most beautiful woman in the world. Roger Ebert places her at #2, while Richard Roeper thinks she's 17th [Tangent: Richard Roeper has a list this extensive? And Aish is only 17? I'd love to see this list, Mr. Roeper].



But while she might be the face of Bollywood in the West, she's not the most popular Bollywood actress among fans. She's been involved in her share of scandal, mostly from her relationship with Salman Khan. There were reports he abused her, which she originally denied. Suspicions of abuse grew louder when she appeared at an awards show with bruises on her face. She was even kicked off of a movie because an angry Salman stormed onto the sets and disrupted filming. She later admitted he was abusive and threatened to harm her and her family on multiple occasions. He, of course, denies all these claims, so it becomes her word against his. And this might be some of the reason she's not entirely well received in Bollywood.

Of course some of the Aish bash might stem from Aishwarya's recent attempts to make it in Hollywood. Some fans view this move as a stab in the back, leaving the industry that made her a star. But Aishwarya is adamant she's not abandoning Bollywood and will continue to star in Indian productions. She's kept her word. Aish is set to star in two Indian films next year: Dhoom 2 with Hrithik Roshan and Saamna with Ajay Devgan and Akshay Kumar.

Aishwarya, however, is a force to be reckoned with in Bollywood. In a recent poll of the most influential stars in India, Aishwarya made the Top 10 and was one of only two women on the list (the other was Kajol who ranked higher than Aish). As an actress, she's not the most memorable, but she is good. As a dancer there isn't anyone better, except maybe Madhuri Dixit, but she's not currently working in the industry, taking time to be wife and mother. As an ambassador for India, she's a brilliant choice. I can't help but like Aishwarya Rai.



My Favorite Aishwarya Films:
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)--with Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan
Kandukondain Kandukondian (2000)--with Tabu, Ajith, Mammootty
Monhabbatein (2000)--with Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan
Devdas (2002)--with Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit
Raincoat (2004)--with Ajay Devgan
Bride and Prejudice (2005)--with Martin Henderson

Next up: Salman Khan