The day was 19th November 1994. The world, especially India, was glued to their TV screens waiting for the crowning of the new Miss World. In Sun City, South Africa, a certain grey-eyed beauty from India, waited with bated breath. Moments later, the arena reverberated with thunderous applause as doe-eyed stunner Aishwarya Rai was crowned Miss World! And the rest, as they say, is history.
With over 40 films in her kitty, Aishwarya, a self-made star, made her way through Bollywood to become one of the most sought-after actresses. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Taal, Aa Ab Laut Chalein were few of her movies from the late '90s that catapulted her to success. Mohabattein, Josh, Devdas, Dhoom 2, Jodhaa Akbar and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil were few of her other films that struck gold at the box office. She's even gone on to act in Pink Panther 2 with Steve Martin!
At the Cannes Film Festival, the crowd waits for her to walk the red carpet, dripping in elegance and then some. She's truly made a mark for herself and has worked hard to make a name for herself in a cut-throat industry.
While her rise to stardom is commendable, we're too fond of young baby-faced Aishwarya, fresh off the boat with one foot in Tinseltown.
Here are images from the era before/while she shot to fame. Celebrating an icon in Hindi cinema, these images will take your breath away!
