Aishwarya Rai

Aishwarya Rai

Birth Name

Aishwarya Krishnaraj Rai
Nickname Ash
Gullu The Queen of Bollywood
Height 5' 7" (1.70 m)

Mini Biography

Born into a traditional south Indian family, Aishwarya started modeling at a young age. This green-blue-eyed beauty appeared in advertisements for many prestigious firms; the ones that brought her into the limelight were the garden sari and the Pepsi ad. Crowned Miss India 1994 runner-up, she was a hot favorite in the run for miss world title, which she won, her beauty and charm made her India's darling. Ash stormed into the Indian movie industry, where she has proven herself a brilliant & genuine actress.

Filmography as Actress

Happy Birthday (2008)
Saamna (2008)
Sarkar Raj (2008) - Anita Rajan
Jodhaa Akbar (2008) - Jodha

Provoked (2007) - Kiranjit Ahluwalia Guru (2007) - Sujata Dhoom 2 (2006) - Sunehri Umrao Jaan (2006) - Umraao Jaan Bunty Aur Babli (2005) - Special Appearance (Song)

Shabd (2005) - Antara Vashisht
The Heart of India (2005) - Mumtaz Mahal
Bride & Prejudice (2004) - Lalita Bakshi
Khakee (2004) - MahalaxshmiKyun...! Ho Gaya Na (2004) - Diya Malhotra
Raincoat (2004) - Neerja/Neeru
Chokher Bali (2003) - Binodini
Dil Ka Rishta (2003) - Tia SharmaKuch Naa Kaho (2003) - Namrata Shrivastav
Devdas (2002) - Parvati ('Paro')
23rd March 1931: Shaheed (2002) - Special Appearance (song)
Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin (2002) - Komal RastogiHum Tumhare Hain Sanam (2002) - Special Appearence
Shakti: The Power (2002) - Dream Girl
Albela (2001) - Sonia
Mohabbatein (2000) - MeghaKandukondain Kandukondain (2000) - Meenakshi
Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke (2000) - Sahiba Gareval
Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai (2000) - Preeti Virat
Josh (2000) - ShirleyMela (2000) - Guest Appearance
Sanam Tere Hain Hum (2000) - Special Appearance
Ravoyi Chandamama (1999) - Special Appearance (Song)
Taal (1999) - MansiHum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) - Nandini
Aa Ab Laut Chalen (1999) - Pooja Walia
Jeans (1998) - Madhumitha/Vaishnavi
Iruvar (1997) - Pushpa/Kalpana
...Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya (1997) - Ashi KapoorBiography and Career :

Aishwarya Rai was born in Mangalore, in the South Indian state of Karnataka, to Krishnaraj Rai, a marine engineer, and Vrinda Rai, a writer. Her family later relocated to Mumbai. Aishwarya Rai has one brother, Aditya Rai, who is three years older than her. Aditya is a film producer, and has occasionally produced films in which Rai acted. Aditya got married in early 2004.Aishwarya Rai attended the Arya Vidya Mandir at Santacruz, Mumbai, then entered Ruparel College, Matunga, Mumbai. Aishwarya Rai was an A student and wa s on track to become an architect. Aishwarya Rai's native language is Tulu; she also speaks English, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Urdu, and MarathiAishwarya Rai began modeling on the side while studying architecture. In the 1994 Miss India contest, she placed second behind Sushmita Sen, and went on to win the Miss World title that same year and the Miss Photogenic award. After the one year reign as Miss World in London, Aishwarya Rai then worked as a professional model, in advertising and Indian fashion magazines.In 2002, Rai appeared with Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit in the lavishly produced Devdas, which was a huge hit. The film attracted overseas attention as well, receiving a special screening at the Cannes Film Festival and being nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film in the United States, garnering international attention for Rai.2003 brought even more exciting opportunities. Aishwarya Rai became the first Indian actor to be a member of the jury at the Cannes Film Festival. Aishwarya Rai is also the latest member of the elite L'Oreal Dream Team, joining beauties Catherine Deneuve & Andie MacDowell as their international ambassador.Aishwarya Rai graced the covers of India Today and the prestigious TIME Magazine. Time Magazine has also listed her on their list of the “100 Most Influential People in the World Today”She has graced numerous covers worldwide including USA, UK, CHINA, RUSSIA, ISRAEL, UNITED EMERITES, ITALY, SPAIN, MEXICO and FRANCE. Aishwarya Rai was also listed on Rolling Stone Magazine's annual "Hot List", Hello Magazine’s Most Attractive Women in the World”, Stuff Magazine, FHM magazine, V-Life from Variety Magazine, GQ Magazine, New York Times Magazine, Harper’s & Queen and countless others.

2004 saw Aishwarya Rai take on the leading role in her first English language film for Gurinder Chadha in “Bride & Prejudice”. Aishwarya Rai also became the first Indian female to be immortalized in wax at the world famous Madame Tussaud’s wax museum in London.

Although frequently the subject of gossip column speculation about an imminent Hollywood career, it was only in 2004 that Aishwarya Rai finally acted in a foreign film, when British director Gurinder Chadha hired her to play the heroine in Bride and Prejudice, a Hollywood-funded but Bollywood-ized version of Jane Austen's classic novel, Pride and Prejudice.