<p>24 years ago when a sultry, blue-eyed girl came knocking at Aamir Khan&#39;s door asking for a Pepsi, she left the entire nation enamoured by her beauty. A year later Aishwarya Rai went on to win the Miss World title and inspired literally a generation of young girls to try their luck in the glamour industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When she made her debut in films, in Mani Ratnam&#39;s political drama <em>Iruvar</em> in 1997, critics panned her for her poor dialogue delivery and stiff acting. A film that had stalwarts like Mohanlal and Mamooty, Iruvar failed to make a mark at the Box Office despite critical acclaim. Aishwarya&#39;s Hindi debut the same year, <em>Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya</em> also failed to make a mark. &nbsp;Most had written her off as yet another pretty model who could not act.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But with passing years, the actress not only managed to shut her critics with good performances, but also emerged as one of the biggest global names. She continues to capture the imagination of hundreds of fans despite not doing films regularly.</p>

<p>While much is written about her beauty, her global presence and how she continues to be an icon for nearly three decades, not much is written about the memorable characters she has portrayed on screen over the years. On her 44th birthday, here&#39;s a look at some of her best performances till date.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Kandukondain Kandukondain:&nbsp;</strong> Rajeev Menon&#39;s Tamil Film was an adaptation of Jane Austen&#39;s Sense and Sensibilities. A story of two sisters, Aishwarya was pitted against Tabu, an already award-winning actress by then. Yet Aishwarya held her own and even won critical acclaim&nbsp;for her innocent performance, complimenting Tabu&#39;s mature character.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/ash-%20kandukodain-20171031021049.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>A still from the film Kandukondain Kandukondain. (Others)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p><strong>Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam:</strong> Aishwarya&#39;s big ticket to fame came in form of Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s romantic drama. Her character Nandini ages through the film- from a naive young girl to a restrained, mature wife. The film earned her her first Filmfare Best Actress Award.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/ash%20hum-dil-de-chuke-sanam-20171031021207.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (Others)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p><strong>Chokher Bali: </strong>&nbsp;Rituporno Ghosh saw what no one else could when he decided to cast a commercial actress like Aishwarya Rai in a classical film like <em>Chokher Bali</em>. Despite an alien language, (the film was in Bengali), a story set back in time, Aishwarya managed to make Binodini her own. A restrained performance, <em>Chokher Bali </em>perhaps managed to shut her critics up about her acting prowess.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/ash%20chokher-bali-2003-02-g-20171031021319.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Aishwarya Rai in Chokher Bali (Others)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p><strong>Raincoat: </strong>After the critical success of <em>Chokher Bali</em>, Rituporno Ghosh again teamed up with Aishwarya for <em>Raincoat</em>. A Hindi film about two estranged lovers who meet one rainy day to exchange anecdotes about their lives, Raincoat was a beautiful film about longing, separation and pain that love causes. &nbsp;Dressed simply, Aishwarya delivered a restrained performance as the ailing Neerja and emoted through her eyes.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/ash-ajay-raincoat-20171031021420.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Aishwarya Rai In Raincoat (Others)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p><strong>Guzarish: </strong>&nbsp;Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s second film with Aishwarya dealt with the grave topic of euthanasia. Co-starring Hrithik Roshan, the film had Aishwarya playing Sophia D&#39;Souza, his nurse in the film. A subtle story of love and loyalty, the actress as well as the film earned critical acclaim but was not a commercial hit.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/ash%20guzarish-20171031021621.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Aishwarya Rai In Guzarish (Others)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p><strong>Provoked: </strong>&nbsp;Perhaps Aishwarya&#39;s best performance till date, <em>Provoked</em> was based on a real-life story. Directed by Jag Mundhra, Aishwarya played a battered wife who after suffering for years at the hands of her abusive husband, retaliates. The actress showcased a range of emotions on screen with absolute ease- never going overboard at any point. It was a difficult role to essay but Aishwarya delivered a memorable performance.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/ash%20provoked-20171031021709.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Aishwarya Rai in Provoked. (Others)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p><strong>Jodha Akbar:</strong>&nbsp; Ashutosh Gowarikar&#39;s magnum opus dealt with Emperor Akbar&#39;s love for his first wife, Rajput Princess Jodha. Looking drop-dead gorgeous is all frames, Aishwarya let her eyes do the talking throughout the film.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/ash%20jodha-20171031022033.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Aishwarya Rai in a still from Jodha Akbar (Others)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p><strong>Ae Dil Hai Mushkil:&nbsp;</strong> Although her role in the film was small, Aishwarya Rai managed to create maximum impact with her portrayal of a poetess in love with a much younger man. She stepped out of her comfort zone and played seductress and fans couldn&#39;t stop drooling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


On her 44th birthday, here's a look at some of her best performances till date.

24 years ago when a sultry, blue-eyed girl came knocking at Aamir Khan's door asking for a Pepsi, she left the entire nation enamoured by her beauty. A year later Aishwarya Rai went on to win the Miss World title and inspired literally a generation of young girls to try their luck in the glamour industry. When she made her debut in films, in Mani Ratnam's political drama Iruvar in 1997, critics panned her for her poor dialogue delivery and stiff acting. A film that had stalwarts like Mohanlal and Mamooty, Iruvar failed to make a mark at the Box Office despite critical acclaim. Aishwarya's Hindi debut the same year, Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya also failed to make a mark. Most had written her off as yet another pretty model who could not act. But with passing years, the actress not only managed to shut her critics with good performances, but also emerged as one of the biggest global names. She continues to capture the imagination of hundreds of fans despite not doing films regularly. While much is written about her beauty, her global presence and how she continues to be an icon for nearly three decades, not much is written about the memorable characters she has portrayed on screen over the years. On her 44th birthday, here's a look at some of her best performances till date. Kandukondain Kandukondain: Rajeev Menon's Tamil Film was an adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibilities. A story of two sisters, Aishwarya was pitted against Tabu, an already award-winning actress by then. Yet Aishwarya held her own and even won critical acclaim for her innocent performance, complimenting Tabu's mature character. A still from the film Kandukondain Kandukondain. (Others) × Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam: Aishwarya's big ticket to fame came in form of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's romantic drama. Her character Nandini ages through the film- from a naive young girl to a restrained, mature wife. The film earned her her first Filmfare Best Actress Award. Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (Others) × Chokher Bali: Rituporno Ghosh saw what no one else could when he decided to cast a commercial actress like Aishwarya Rai in a classical film like Chokher Bali. Despite an alien language, (the film was in Bengali), a story set back in time, Aishwarya managed to make Binodini her own. A restrained performance, Chokher Bali perhaps managed to shut her critics up about her acting prowess. Aishwarya Rai in Chokher Bali (Others) × Raincoat: After the critical success of Chokher Bali, Rituporno Ghosh again teamed up with Aishwarya for Raincoat. A Hindi film about two estranged lovers who meet one rainy day to exchange anecdotes about their lives, Raincoat was a beautiful film about longing, separation and pain that love causes. Dressed simply, Aishwarya delivered a restrained performance as the ailing Neerja and emoted through her eyes. Aishwarya Rai In Raincoat (Others) × Guzarish: Sanjay Leela Bhansali's second film with Aishwarya dealt with the grave topic of euthanasia. Co-starring Hrithik Roshan, the film had Aishwarya playing Sophia D'Souza, his nurse in the film. A subtle story of love and loyalty, the actress as well as the film earned critical acclaim but was not a commercial hit. Aishwarya Rai In Guzarish (Others) × Provoked: Perhaps Aishwarya's best performance till date, Provoked was based on a real-life story. Directed by Jag Mundhra, Aishwarya played a battered wife who after suffering for years at the hands of her abusive husband, retaliates. The actress showcased a range of emotions on screen with absolute ease- never going overboard at any point. It was a difficult role to essay but Aishwarya delivered a memorable performance. Aishwarya Rai in Provoked. (Others) × Jodha Akbar: Ashutosh Gowarikar's magnum opus dealt with Emperor Akbar's love for his first wife, Rajput Princess Jodha. Looking drop-dead gorgeous is all frames, Aishwarya let her eyes do the talking throughout the film. Aishwarya Rai in a still from Jodha Akbar (Others) × Ae Dil Hai Mushkil: Although her role in the film was small, Aishwarya Rai managed to create maximum impact with her portrayal of a poetess in love with a much younger man. She stepped out of her comfort zone and played seductress and fans couldn't stop drooling.

Aishwarya Rai @ 44: 8 roles which made her a mega star!

<p>A fire broke out at Hindi film actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan&#39;s former residence in Bandra in Maharashtra&#39;s Mumbai city. The actress&#39;s mother, Vrinda Rai, still resides on the 13th floor of the apartment building, La Mer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cause of the fire is not known. No casualties have been reported so far.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Citizen reporter <a href="https://twitter.com/djvinu4000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@djvinu4000</a> gave the video <a href="https://twitter.com/dna?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dna</a> <a href="https://t.co/JI6WqgzF6s">pic.twitter.com/JI6WqgzF6s</a></p>
&mdash; Ashutosh M. Shukla (@scribeashutosh) <a href="https://twitter.com/scribeashutosh/status/922732857155571713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>It is a previous house of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan before her wedding to Abhishek Bachchan now her mother Brinda Rai lives on the 13th floor. Soon after the incident, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was also spotted in Bandra with Abhishek Bachchan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/capture3-20171024121510.JPG" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was seen after the fire in Bandra with her husband Abhishek Bachchan (Zee News Network)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/capture1-20171024121310.JPG" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Aishwarya Rai Bachchan used to live here before her marriage to Abhishek Bachchan (Zee News Network)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former Indian cricket captain Sachin Tendulkar also used to live in the same building, but now only his in-laws stay on the 10th floor.&nbsp;According to some media reports, the fire allegedly broke out from Tendulkar in-laws&#39;&nbsp;house.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to officials of the BMC disaster management department, a level II fire was reported at about 12.50 pm today. The fire was so big that eight fire trucks were called to douse the fire.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at present stays at Juhu with her husband, Abhishek Bachchan, daughter, Aaradhya, and her in-laws, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aishwarya is working with Rajkummar Rao and Anil Kapoor for Hindi film Fanney Khan directed by Atul Manjrekar. It is an official remake of a Hollywood film &#39;Everybody&#39;s famous&#39;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fanney Khan is scheduled to release in June 2018.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Aishwarya's mother lives on the 13th floor of La Mer apartments; Sachin Tendulkar's in-laws also live in the same building

A fire broke out at Hindi film actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's former residence in Bandra in Maharashtra's Mumbai city. The actress's mother, Vrinda Rai, still resides on the 13th floor of the apartment building, La Mer. The cause of the fire is not known. No casualties have been reported so far. Citizen reporter @djvinu4000 gave the video @dna pic.twitter.com/JI6WqgzF6s — Ashutosh M. Shukla (@scribeashutosh) October 24, 2017 × It is a previous house of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan before her wedding to Abhishek Bachchan now her mother Brinda Rai lives on the 13th floor. Soon after the incident, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was also spotted in Bandra with Abhishek Bachchan. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was seen after the fire in Bandra with her husband Abhishek Bachchan (Zee News Network) × Aishwarya Rai Bachchan used to live here before her marriage to Abhishek Bachchan (Zee News Network) × Former Indian cricket captain Sachin Tendulkar also used to live in the same building, but now only his in-laws stay on the 10th floor. According to some media reports, the fire allegedly broke out from Tendulkar in-laws' house. According to officials of the BMC disaster management department, a level II fire was reported at about 12.50 pm today. The fire was so big that eight fire trucks were called to douse the fire. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at present stays at Juhu with her husband, Abhishek Bachchan, daughter, Aaradhya, and her in-laws, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan. Aishwarya is working with Rajkummar Rao and Anil Kapoor for Hindi film Fanney Khan directed by Atul Manjrekar. It is an official remake of a Hollywood film 'Everybody's famous'. Fanney Khan is scheduled to release in June 2018.

Watch: Fire at Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Bandra residence

<p>Can you imagine Kaun Banega Crorepati without Amitabh Bachchan? We are sure you are thinking of the time when Shah Rukh Khan hosted it. Just for a while keep that aside and think! Now can you imagine anyone else asking you questions in that baritone? No right? But it seems the makers of the show have already contemplated that possibility and they have replacements in sight too. According to Mumbai Mirror, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Madhuri Dixit are in contention for the seat!</p>

<p>Yes, you read absolutely right. A source from the channel told the daily, &ldquo;Mr. Bachchan&rsquo;s daughter-in-law Aishwarya is among those who has been approached to take over as quiz master for season nine. The channel is in talks with both Madhuri and Aishwarya.&rdquo; Apparently, given the fact that no female celebrity has ever hosted the show might have prompted the channel to think on the same lines to add novelty to the format. We agree it&rsquo;s a very interesting idea to have an actress-host the show which has never happened before. We hardly see actresses hosting shows on TV and thus it could be a welcoming change.</p>

<p>But we don&rsquo;t know how effectual it will be. We are used to hearing Bachchan&rsquo;s booming voice asking everyone to play fastest fingers first so that the luck one can take the hot seat and win money. It has almost become usual for us and now to adjust to a new celebrity, that too a woman would take some time. But it definitely is an idea worth giving a shot. Maybe then channels will realise even a woman can host game shows of such nature.</p>

<p>As of now, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is busy with her Cannes activities. We will keep you updated on that as well.</p>


Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to take Paa-in-law's seat on Kaun Banega Crorepati?

Can you imagine Kaun Banega Crorepati without Amitabh Bachchan? We are sure you are thinking of the time when Shah Rukh Khan hosted it. Just for a while keep that aside and think! Now can you imagine anyone else asking you questions in that baritone? No right? But it seems the makers of the show have already contemplated that possibility and they have replacements in sight too. According to Mumbai Mirror, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Madhuri Dixit are in contention for the seat! Yes, you read absolutely right. A source from the channel told the daily, “Mr. Bachchan’s daughter-in-law Aishwarya is among those who has been approached to take over as quiz master for season nine. The channel is in talks with both Madhuri and Aishwarya.” Apparently, given the fact that no female celebrity has ever hosted the show might have prompted the channel to think on the same lines to add novelty to the format. We agree it’s a very interesting idea to have an actress-host the show which has never happened before. We hardly see actresses hosting shows on TV and thus it could be a welcoming change. But we don’t know how effectual it will be. We are used to hearing Bachchan’s booming voice asking everyone to play fastest fingers first so that the luck one can take the hot seat and win money. It has almost become usual for us and now to adjust to a new celebrity, that too a woman would take some time. But it definitely is an idea worth giving a shot. Maybe then channels will realise even a woman can host game shows of such nature. As of now, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is busy with her Cannes activities. We will keep you updated on that as well.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to replace Amitabh Bachchan in Kaun Banega Crorepati?

<p>Can you imagine Kaun Banega Crorepati without Amitabh Bachchan? We are sure you are thinking of the time when Shah Rukh Khan hosted it. Just for a while keep that aside and think! Now can you imagine anyone else asking you questions in that baritone? No right? But it seems the makers of the show have already contemplated that possibility and they have replacements in sight too. According to Mumbai Mirror, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Madhuri Dixit are in contention for the seat! (Also read: Is the big fuss over Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan being at Cannes justified?)</p>

<p>Yes, you read absolutely right. A source from the channel told the daily, &ldquo;Mr. Bachchan&rsquo;s daughter-in-law Aishwarya is among those who has been approached to take over as quiz master for season nine. The channel is in talks with both Madhuri and Aishwarya.&rdquo; Apparently, given the fact that no female celebrity has ever hosted the show might have prompted the channel to think on the same lines to add novelty to the format. We agree it&rsquo;s a very interesting idea to have an actress-host the show which has never happened before. We hardly see actresses hosting shows on TV and thus it could be a welcoming change.</p>

<p>But we don&rsquo;t know how effectual it will be. We are used to hearing Bachchan&rsquo;s booming voice asking everyone to play fastest fingers first so that the luck one can take the hot seat and win money. It has almost become usual for us and now to adjust to a new celebrity, that too a woman would take some time. But it definitely is an idea worth giving a shot. Maybe then channels will realise even a woman can host game shows of such nature.</p>

<p>As of now, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is busy with her Cannes activities. We will keep you updated on that as well.</p>


Can you imagine Kaun Banega Crorepati without Amitabh Bachchan? We are sure you are thinking of the time when Shah Rukh Khan hosted it. Just for a while keep that aside and think! Now can you imagine anyone else asking you questions in that baritone? No right? But it seems the makers of the show have already contemplated that possibility and they have replacements in sight too. According to Mumbai Mirror, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Madhuri Dixit are in contention for the seat! (Also read: Is the big fuss over Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan being at Cannes justified?) Yes, you read absolutely right. A source from the channel told the daily, “Mr. Bachchan’s daughter-in-law Aishwarya is among those who has been approached to take over as quiz master for season nine. The channel is in talks with both Madhuri and Aishwarya.” Apparently, given the fact that no female celebrity has ever hosted the show might have prompted the channel to think on the same lines to add novelty to the format. We agree it’s a very interesting idea to have an actress-host the show which has never happened before. We hardly see actresses hosting shows on TV and thus it could be a welcoming change. But we don’t know how effectual it will be. We are used to hearing Bachchan’s booming voice asking everyone to play fastest fingers first so that the luck one can take the hot seat and win money. It has almost become usual for us and now to adjust to a new celebrity, that too a woman would take some time. But it definitely is an idea worth giving a shot. Maybe then channels will realise even a woman can host game shows of such nature. As of now, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is busy with her Cannes activities. We will keep you updated on that as well.

aishwarya-rai

Aishwarya Rai, News on Aishwarya Rai, stories on Aishwarya Rai, articles on Aishwarya Rai, Aishwarya Rai stories at Wion, Aishwarya Rai news, Aishwarya Rai latest news

aishwarya rai

Aishwarya Rai @ 44: 8 roles which made her a mega star!

Watch: Fire at Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Bandra residence

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to replace Amitabh Bachchan in Kaun Banega Crorepati?

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to replace Amitabh Bachchan in Kaun Banega Crorepati?