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5 Unforgettable Period Dramas Starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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