Bollywood Actresses You Haven't Discovered Yet

Aishwarya Rai has probably caught your attention recently; she's the talented actress from the world of Bollywood, making apperances on U.S. turf in a handful of movies and late night talk shows. Bollywood is the Mumbai-based film industry that has created millions of global fans; Bollywood movies are similar to western musicals, and many are adaptations of Hollywood scripts. Keep your eyes on the Indian movie releases for these Bollywood actresses you may not have discovered yet:

Twinkle Khanna is the daughter of Indian film legends Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia. The actress made her debut in Barsaat where she played an undercover spy. After marriage, she formally left the film industry but appeared again recently in International Khiladi, released in 2006. A natural on camera, Twinkle Khanna continues to receive the adoration of fans and Bollywood film enthusiasts worldwide.

The movie Koi. . .Mil Gaya put the spotlight on Preity Zinta, a model and commercial actress who has made her way on the Bollywood movie scene. Her first breakthrough role in Dil Se where she won the Filmfare Best Debut Award. The Temptation 2004 concert was the event of the year for many Bollywood fans, and her appearance there quickly set her on the track for success with other top stars.

A Calcutta native, Bipashu Basu earned the ranks of fame with a headstart at the age of 17; her spot in the Ford Supermodels Contest opened up the doors of opportunity for acting and modeling, and she's quickly become one of India's most recognized celebrities. Bipashu has walked the runways with some of India's leading fashion designers, but her appearances in Hum Ko Deewana Kar Gaye and Jaane Hoga Kya bought her acting skills to the surface. Glamor and fame have continued to follow her since; she's been cast for the forthcoming release of Nehlle Pe Dehlla and Mr. Fraud.

Playing the role of a dancer in the hit movie Rangeela in 1995, Urmila Matondkar has led the way in singing and dancing for choreographed Bollywood movies. The Chamma Chamma dance sequence from China Gate won the hearts of thousands of adoring fans, and she was nominated for the Filmfare Best Villain Award in 2001 for Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya. A singing sensation, this actress has made her mark as one of India's most talented.

Crowned Miss Asia Pacific in 2000, Diya Mirza is one of India's most loved beauties. Dozens of advertising campaigns feature her famous smile, along with her entry to the Miss India competition. Her famous movie lineup includes Koi Mere Dil Mein Hai, Tumsa Nahin Dekha, and Khun! Ho Gaya Na. Fashion week appearances and travels to London fill th schedule of this rising star.

When you start to explore the onslaught of Bollywood movies making their way across the ocean, you're sure to find a few more starlets that bring a fresh take on acting, dancing, and singing. Fan sites and magazines continue to draw millions of fans each year, but if you prefer to sample first, just take a look at Bollywood news and movie clips on the web.