Bipasha Basu

Bipasha Basu burst onto the Bollywood scene in the early 2000s and quickly became one of the decade's most electrifying leading ladies. After making her acting debut in the thriller Ajnabee (2001)—which earned her a Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut—she dominated the box office with a string of massive hits like Dhoom 2, No Entry, and Race. She became the face of horror and thriller cinema in India, carving out a niche as the "scream queen" of her era while also commanding attention in item numbers and romantic comedies. Her success during this golden period cemented her status as a bonafide A-lister, and she continued to deliver memorable performances throughout the 2010s. What set Bipasha apart was her fearless approach to choosing bold, unconventional roles in a time when leading actresses often played it safe. She brought a rare blend of glamour and grit to her characters, whether she was holding her own in horror films like Raaz and its sequels or stealing scenes in ensemble comedies. Beyond the silver screen, she's been a trailblazer in championing fitness and wellness, becoming a visible advocate for healthy living long before it became mainstream in Bollywood. While she stepped back from regular filmmaking after 2015, her 2020 appearance in the thriller series Dangerous reminded fans why she remains an iconic figure in Indian cinema—a powerhouse performer who refused to be boxed in and carved her own path in Bollywood.