Way to go Girl!

By: Poonam Deviah

Born in the small sleepy town of Mangalore in Karnataka, on November 1, 1973, Gullu as she is fondly called, made India proud when she won the Miss World title in 1994. Aishwarya Rai hasn't looked back since. Life was not an easy joyride for this green-eyed beauty. First few flop movies and a much-publicized traumatic affair didn't paralyze her. She took on everything in her stride and rose higher. She is the first Indian actress to be on the jury of the Cannes International Film Festival and the first actress and performer from India to be featured on the cover of Time magazine. Since 1999 she has been the ambassador for Longiness watches. A merit student in school, Aishwarya had her heart set on 'medicine.' But destiny wanted it otherwise. She chose Architecture but when she began receiving overwhelming modeling assignments, she decided to concentrate on them. She got noticed in ads for Pepsi and Garden. Winning the Miss world crown proved a gateway into Bollywood. Her performance in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, stunned audiences. For the first time, Aishwarya showed off her acting prowess and it took all by surprise. She was no longer considered a glamour doll with twinkling eyes. But this was just the beginning and there was lots more to come.

She has a series of international landmarks in her kitty. She bagged a parallel role opposite 'Meryl Streep' in French director Coline Serreau's Chaos. Opened the festival at Cannes, Was on the covers of a Russian magazine, had an Asian Barbie done after her, Tulip named after her, appearance on David Letterman, Jay Leno and Oprah Winfrey shows. Bollywood's green-eyed girl made her way into Hollywood, with her first Hollywood movie, Last Legion.

Aishwarya has the distinction of appearing the cover of Time magazine. Alone. She also made it into the Time magazine's list of 100 most powerful people. She is the only Indian woman to be listed among world's Top 10 good-looking women.

Though, her three-year old relationship with Vivek Oberoi, went flying out of the window, she seems to be all set to tie knot with Abhishek Bachchan. Only time will tell.

Her short span in Bollywood has won her many awards.

• Awards of the International Indian Film Academy: Popular Award - Actress in a Leading Role, Devdas(2003)
• Filmfare Awards: Best Actress, Devdas(2003)
• Screen Weekly Awards: Screen - Best Actress, Devdas(2003)
• Screen Weekly Awards: Special Award - Jodi No. 1, Devdas (2003)
• Zee Cine Awards: Popular Award - Best Actress, Devdas (2003)
• Zee Cine Awards: True Indian Actress (2003)
• Awards of the International Indian Film Academy: Award for Artistic Excellence - Actress in a Leading Role, Straight From The Heart (2000)
• Filmfare Awards: Best Actress, Straight From The Heart (2000)
• Screen Weekly Awards: Screen - Best Actress, Straight From The Heart(2000)
• Zee Cine Awards: Popular Award - Best Actress, Straight From The Heart(2000)
• Zee Cine Awards: Popular Award - Lux Face of the Year (2000)
• Screen Weekly Awards: Screen - Most Promising Newcomer - Female, Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya (1998)

She still has a long way to go...