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5 Unforgettable Period Dramas Starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
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The 77th Cannes Film Festival is here and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has once again graced the event with her presence. The veteran actress walked the red carpet for the premiere of Francis Ford Cappola’s Megalopolis in the French Rivera dressed in a black and gold ensemble by Falguni and Shane Peacock, and the next day, the actress wore a maximalist gown by the ace designer duo. And as per tradition, her looks have sent netizens into overdrive. And while there is no shortage of opinions on her outfits at the festival, her presence has always evoked a sense of pride, given her contribution to Indian Cinema for nearly three decades.
We first met her as the green-eyed beauty who won the Miss World crown in 1994 and soon after, Aishwarya had taken on both the Tamil and Hindi film industries, making her debut in both in the same year. Since then, she’s delivered excellent performances — from the passionate dancer Mansi in Taal to the lovesick Paro in Devdas and the diserable poet Saba in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. In fact, Aishwarya was also the trendsetter of working in international film industries simultaneously.
Through her extensive career, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has acted in a few legendary period dramas that have been monumental in redefining her as an actor. While her acting chops alone are enough to hypnotise you, her costumes and make-up in each of these films has been nnothing short of iconic — be it Ashutosh Gowariker’s Jodhaa Akbar or Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan, acting comes very naturally to the global beauty icon.
So, if you’ve seen Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on your screens, here are some movies to remind you of her beauty and talents:
5 Aishwarya Rai Period Dramas That You Won’t Regret Watching
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Choker Bali
Choker Bali (2003)
This Rituparno Ghosh directorial is one of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s best onscreen performances to date. The actor essays the role of Binodini, a rebellious young widow sandwiched between societal norms and her desires. Throughout the movie, her eyes do the talking. Although, the actor is dressed simply in this movie compared to her roles in Jodhaa Akbar and Devdas. She manages to make her onscreen presence felt due to her dialogue delivery, expressions and nuanced acting.
Watch Here.
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Devdas
Devdas (2002)
Based on the Bengali laureate Sarath Chandra Chattopadhya’s literary work, Devdas was monumental in raising the bar of Indian Cinema in the early 2000s. As Paro, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan sinks into the character and effortlessly communicates the grief of being strewn away from her childhood love. Her struggle to bring about a balance between her love affair and societal expectations is conveyed through her powerful and impactful dialogue delivery. Towards the end of the film, when Paro runs out to help Deva as the gates of her palatial mansion close, we are all left teary-eyed.
Watch Here.
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Umrao Jaan
Umrao Jaan (2006)
A classic remaking of the Mirza Raza novel Umrao Jaan, this film follows the life of a courtesan during the pre-independence era. As Umrao Jaan, the actor impactfully communicates the grief her character undergoes daily. The onscreen chemistry Aishwarya shared with her real-life husband Abhishek is also something to watch out for!
Watch Here.
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Jodhaa Akbar
Jodhaa Akbar (2008)
The Ashutosh Gowariker’s magnum opus starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is one of the most beautiful period dramas to be made in Bollywood. The breathtaking costumes, the cinematography, the plot line and the magnificent sets have left their marks in the minds of audiences and filmmakers, alike. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan left no stone unturned to bring a certain fierce yet elegant energy to the character of Jodhaa, the defiant Rajput Princess.
Watch Here.
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PS-1
Ponniyin Selvan: 1 (2022)
The first part of Mani Ratnam’s dream project Ponniyin Selvan has Aishwarya Rai Bachchan playing the antagonist for a change. The actor subtly brings out the struggle of Nandini, who has to choose between her nation’s interest and her former lover, the Chola prince played by Vikram. The movie delivers breath taking visuals, a hypnotising soundtrack by AR Rahman and also has an element of mystery and suspense that keeps one hooked till the end. The second part, which released the following year, is also not to be missed.
Watch Here.