'A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:Its loveliness increases; it will never Pass into nothingness.'
Englishpoet John Keats isn't far from the truth while reflecting on the meritsof genuine allure. While he may not have had Bollywood in mind whilecarving his thoughts in poetry, they do apply universally.
Comingto the world of showbiz, an actress is not just about great looks butalso the way she carries herself to create an unforgettable impressionon everyone who comes in contact. And that's what makes her an icon.
We asked you,dear readers, to vote for your choice of Beauty Icon of the Decade inHindi films. The results are out and here's a look at the ones who madeit:
1.Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
'She's the fairest of them all.'
Frankly,was there any doubt? Almost every second person on the message boardvoted for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Unanimously, a bona fide beauty ofthis decade and quite effortlessly one of the most splendid faces toadorn the Indian screens, ever.
LikeMeryl Streep's wealth of talent, so much has been said and writtenabout the lady's legendary looks that it's impossible to avoid a clicheor two. Like her wistful blue-green eyes, pixie nose, surreal smile,elegant manners, the list is endless.
Image: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
At the beginning of this decade, practically no one had heard of Katrina Kaif. At its end, she's Bollywood's reigning queen.
Through sheer determination and some good luck, the luminous lass from London took Bollywood by surprise.
Alooker by all means, Katrina's doe-eyed cuteness-glossy pout combo,despite her reserved, careful disposition, makes her the quintessentialhot 'n' sweet beauty.
Image: Katrina Kaif
Is it the cognac hue in her eyes? The lilting chime in her laughter? The unmistakable glow in her demeanour? Kajol is exquisite.
Right from her dud of a debut, Bekhudi to the recently aired promo of My Name is Khan, her sensational presence is undeniable.
Everyone loves and relates to the sometimes fun, sometimes serious but consistently individualistic characters she plays.
Neverthe kind to project herself as eye-candy, Kajol's various attempts toconceal her loveliness in shoddy clothing and sloppy styling hasn'tprevented us from adoring her timeless grace.
Image: Kajol
Trustme, it's not the short dresses or the cool cat canter. There's more toPriyanka Chopra than her sassy style and trendy bearings.
The spirit in her eyes and challenge in her tone is what adds character to all the fluff she endorses or slips into.
Beautiful, modern and ultra-sexy -- Priyanka is all-out feminine yet not frail, independent but not stiff.
Image: Priyanka Chopra
It's a tie between a former beauty queen and the current toasts of Bollywood.
Sure,Sushmita Sen won the Miss Universe pageant in 1994 but her gorgeouspersona isn't on a superficial level alone. What makes Sush soappealing is her dazzling eloquence, enigmatic aura and unconventionallifestyle.
At 34, she issingly raising her two adopted daughters -- Renee and Alisah. While hercareer might not have reached the heights one expected it to, there'sno denying her magnetic presence or the warmth in her beauty.
Thoughthey made their entry only recently in this decade, Sonam Kapoor andDeepika Padukone have already won enough admirers to make it to thislist. And that is saying a lot.
WhileAnil Kapoor's daughter began her career as an assistant to directorSanjay Leela Bhansali who later mentored her as the leading lady of Saawariya, Deepika Padukone sparkled the ramp scene before catching Farah Khan's eye.
Froman overweight teen to a delicate diva with a confident voice and edgyfashion sense, Sonam is a potential role model for a lot of younggirls. While Deepika's comely perfection and a marvelously fit bodymakes everyone scream 'wow.'
Image: Sushmita Sen, Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone
