Bollywood's Aishwarya Rai Moved from Miss World to Movie Star

Many beauty pageant winners reign for a year, then fade into the background, but not Miss World 1994. Indian born Aishwarya Rai parlayed her time as Miss World into a career as one of Bollywood's most recognizable- and bankable-- stars. After starring on 24 movies in seven years, she seems poised for an international break out role.

Her debut in the Tamil language film Iruvar failed to make her a household name. Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya, also failed at the box office, but her second Tamil feature, Jeans, made her a star. Her biggest film success to date has been Devdas, which created such a sensation that it was eventually screened at the Cannes Film Festival, where Rai was a member if the jury in 2003. Other notable box office hits include Mihabbatein, Sanam, Hum Dil de Chuke and the recently released, Dhoom 2. Rai was hit by a lawsuit over the film, which contains a kiss that some Indians find offensive. She has recently ventured into foreign films like the British films Bride and Prejudice and Mistress of Spices. Her most recent film, the Bollywood produced Guru, premiered in Toronto.

In addition to her movie roles, Aishwarya Rai is known for her beauty. She has been named by some as the Most Beautiful Woman in the World. Her noteriety has made her a media darling the world over, including in the U.S. where her films are not widely known. She has appeared on The Late Show With David Letterman and Oprah. Time Magazine named her one of Asia's 100 Most Influential People. Her famous face is also seen in ads for Coca-Cola, L'Oreal and DeBeers diamonds.

In stark contrast to Hollywood stars, Rai negotiates all of her own contracts and endorsement deals. Through her own business deals, she has become one of the richest women in India.

Her love life has also been the subject of much media speculation. She had a high profile relationship with Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam co-star Salman Kahn, but it ended abruptly amid claims of physical abuse. She has more recently been linked with Abhishek Bachchan. The tabloids reported their every move and fueld rumors of an impending marriage. The couple confirmed their engagement in January.

Rai is also known for being as wholesome as her movie roles. At 32, she still lives with her parents in Bombay. A devout Hindu, she regularly attends temple to pray to Lord Ganesh, the Hindu god of happiness.

Rumors persist that Aishwarya Rai will leave Bollywood for the U.S., but with her star already bright in the rest of the world, Rai has no need to leave the comfort of India.