Bollywood is a worldwide of glitz, glamour, and massive-than-existence dreams. But in advance than some of its maximum iconic actresses have come to be silver show show show screen sensations, they first strutted down style runways, graced mag covers, and endorsed steeply-priced producers. Modeling now not first-rate gave them exposure but furthermore served as a important stepping stone to their movie careers. Here’s a deep dive into a number of the most well-known Bollywood actresses who began as models and effectively transitioned into performing, leaving a long-lasting impact on every industries.
1. Deepika Padukone
Arguably one in each of the biggest stars in Bollywood nowadays, Deepika Padukone began out her profession as a version. Born into a circle of relatives of athletes (her father is badminton legend Prakash Padukone), Deepika to start with placed in her father’s footsteps in advance than switching gears. Her tall body, poise, and expressive eyes made her a natural healthy for the ramp.
She received extremely good popularity after performing in a Liril cleaning cleaning soap enterprise and later featured inside the iconic Kingfisher Calendar in 2006. Her modeling achievement laid the foundation for her get right of entry to into movies. Deepika made her Bollywood debut contrary Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om (2007), and the rest is facts. Today, she’s not in truth an actress however a worldwide style icon and producer.
2. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Before conquering Bollywood, Aishwarya Rai conquered the vicinity—virtually. She started out out her career as a version and obtained countrywide recognition after winning the Miss India World find out in 1994. She then went at once to win the Miss World crown the equal 365 days, proper away turning into a global face of Indian beauty and beauty.
Aishwarya's transition to movies turn out to be marked with the useful aid of the use of her debut in Mani Ratnam’s Tamil film Iruvar (1997), decided with the beneficial resource of her Hindi debut in Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya. Over the years, she has brought iconic performances in films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, and Jodhaa Akbar. Her modeling history keeps to influence her style picks on worldwide pink carpets like Cannes.
3. Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Another Miss World winner who made a a success transition to Bollywood and beyond is Priyanka Chopra Jonas. After being crowned Miss World in 2000, Priyanka took the film path and debuted in The Hero: Love Story of a Spy (2003). Unlike many others, she carved out an opening together along with her powerful performances in movies like Aitraaz, Fashion, and Barfi!.
Her modeling revel in not handiest helped her command the digital virtual digicam but furthermore made her a global logo ambassador for a couple of favor and beauty labels. Today, she’s a singer, manufacturer, philanthropist, and a a success actress in Hollywood, truly breaking international boundaries.
4. Katrina Kaif
Katrina Kaif started out as a model in London on the young age of 14. With her placing seems and charismatic presence, she appeared in numerous international ad campaigns, which ultimately brought her to India. Though her early Bollywood days had been criticized for her restrained command over Hindi, her modeling history helped her bag glamorous roles.
Katrina’s soar in advance got here with Namastey London (2007), and due to the fact then, she has starred in blockbusters like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Ek Tha Tiger, and Tiger Zinda Hai. She’s stated for her health, dance numbers, and style-putting style options, regularly on foot the ramp for pinnacle designers in India.
5. Anushka Sharma
Before captivating audiences along element her lady-subsequent-door vibe in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008), Anushka Sharma became a a fulfillment version. She commenced out her career on the Lakmé Fashion Week for fashion fashion designer Wendell Rodricks. Her confident stride and glowing appeal stuck the attention of casting directors in Bollywood.
Unlike many, Anushka made a robust performing debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan, and she or he quick became recognized for her performing chops and clever script alternatives. From NH10 to Pari, she has moreover have turn out to be producer, showing that modeling end up virtually the begin of her multifaceted career.
6. Dia Mirza
Elegant and moderate-spoken, Dia Mirza was topped Miss Asia Pacific in 2000. Like many competition winners, she commenced out with modeling in advance than making her Bollywood debut with Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (2001). Though she didn’t advantage massive problem place of work fulfillment, Dia remained a style icon and a everyday presence in Indian cinema.
More nowadays, she has earned respect for her art work as an environmental activist and movie producer. Her modeling background keeps to persuade her purple carpet appearances and public character.
7. Sushmita Sen
The first Indian female to win the Miss Universe name in 1994, Sushmita Sen redefined self warranty and splendor. Her modeling career took off after she gained the Femina Miss India contest, and her victory on the global stage made her an immediately film celebrity in India.
Her foray into Bollywood protected memorable roles in films like Biwi No.1, Main Hoon Na, and Filhaal.... After a short hiatus, she decrease again with the significantly acclaimed internet series Aarya, showcasing her appearing variety. Sushmita’s journey from the ramp to tremendous display roles has inspired many aspiring actresses.
8. Bipasha Basu
Bipasha Basu began her career as a a achievement model, winning the Ford Supermodel contest at virtually 17. Her sultry seems and ambitious mind-set set her aside in a specifically competitive business enterprise. She transitioned to Bollywood with Ajnabee (2001), for which she acquired the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.
Over the years, she have come to be referred to for her artwork in thrillers and horror films like Raaz, Race, and Alone. Her modeling roots gave her a sturdy foundation in style and fitness, which she maintains to promote through her lifestyle ventures.
9. Lara Dutta
Crowned Miss Universe in 2000, Lara Dutta's modeling career end up marked with the aid of manner of splendor and eloquence. She have become lauded for her intelligence and attraction, which helped her stand out among splendor queens. She entered Bollywood with Andaaz (2003), co-starring with Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra.
Lara’s acting journey consists of every commercial enterprise and offbeat movies. She later moved into production or maybe served as a mentor for opposition aspirants. Her experience as a version remains apparent in her sleek public appearances and fashion-earlier fashion.
10. Diana Penty
Diana Penty’s airy appears and statuesque body made her a ordinary at fashion weeks in advance than she debuted in Bollywood with Cocktail (2012). She rapid have grow to be stated for her poised demeanor and conventional beauty. Though her filmography is selective, Diana has persisted to stability appearing with modeling, endorsing excessive-stop producers and on foot the ramp.
Her modeling records provides a layer of beauty to her on-display display display presence, making her one of the most smooth actresses within the organization.
Why Do Models Transition So Well into Bollywood?
Several factors contribute to the seamless transition of models into the movie agency:
- Camera Familiarity – Models are relaxed being inside the the front of the virtual digital camera, a massive plus on the same time as transitioning to films.
- Poise and Confidence – Years of runway experience instill a sure body language and beauty that interprets nicely on show show.
- Industry Exposure – Modeling brings them into touch with style designers, photographers, and movie experts.
- Versatile Image – Their functionality to conform wonderful seems and personas is a beneficial capacity for performing.
- However, it’s not all smooth crusing. Many fashions face grievance for their appearing skills or battle with language barriers and enterprise agency expectancies. Those who be triumphant are often folks that spend money on performing schooling and cope with diverse roles to expose their mettle.
Conclusion
From splendor pageants to style shows, the modeling worldwide has been a launchpad for numerous proficient Bollywood actresses. While their physical enchantment opened doorways, it modified into their energy of thoughts, versatility, and functionality to conform that helped them preserve a fulfillment performing careers. These girls have now not handiest redefined stardom in India but have moreover demonstrated that with the right combination of abilities and tenacity, it’s viable to shine both on the ramp and the reel.