As social media brims with birthday wishes for Bollywood heavyweight Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who turned 49 on Tuesday, The Friday Times presents five hits of the former Miss World worth a watch.
Ponniyin Selvan I (2022)
Aishwarya has been garnering effusive praise for her portrayal of Nandini in Mani Ratnam money-spinner Ponniyin Selvan I. The film, which has enjoyed an enviable run at the box office, is reported to have grossed a little under INR5 billion worldwide. Ponniyin Selvan I marks the former miss world’s fifth collaboration with ace director Mani Ratnam. The actor had debuted with Mani’s Iuvaar in 1997.
Enthiran (2010)
Aishwarya teamed with legendary Indian actor Rajnikanth and maverick director Shankar to deliver an earth-shattering hit in form of Enthiran (Robot), the first in a series. The film features Aishwarya as medical student Sana, the ladylove of scientist Vaseegaran. Unfortunately for the two, a robot credited to the scientist (also essayed by Rajni) falls for Aishwarya. The film, billed as India’s most expensive upon release, emerged as a top grosser. According to a Hindustan Times report, the film collected over INR2.5 billion world over.
Dhoom 2 (2006)
Aishwarya featured as aspiring top criminal Sunehri in Sanjay Gadhvi’s 2006 blockbuster Dhoom 2. Aishwarya’s chemistry with Hrithik Roshan in addition to chartbuster Crazy Kiya Re was one of the several highlights of the film. The second installment of the the Dhoom franchise, the film reportedly raked INR1.5 billion worldwide.
Devdas (2002)
Aishwarya arguably delivered a career-best in Sanjay Leela Bhasali magnum opus Devdas as Paro. The film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2002, INR1.68 billion globally, according to an India Today report. Aishwarya, separately, clinched her second-of-two Filmfare best actress awards for her work in the hit. She had scooped her first Filmfare best actress laurel for Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam earlier in 2000, also helmed by Bhansali.
