She won the Miss World crown in 1994 and her beauty has only increased ever since. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has carved an impressive career for herself both as a model and as an actor through the years. She’s got a one-in-a-million kind of face and that, along with her acting chops, makes her a formidable box office draw indeed. Her stature as an actress is impressive that she has made a name for herself in Bollywood, Kollywood and in Hollywood as well. She is a force to be reckoned with as Ashe does not seem to be going anywhere with only more success lying ahead. With her birthday being today (November 1), let us look at some of the iconic movies of her, over these years on this special occasion. 

1) IRUVAR:

Aishwarya Rai made her big film debut with this 1997 Mani Ratnam epic political drama film. She essayed a double role in the film - Pushpavalli and Kalpana — one that is inspired and closely resembles to the late actress-politician J. Jayalalithaa. The film ended up being her dream debut as it catapulted her into stardom and became a national crush overnight due to her ethereal beauty. 

2) JEANS:

This 1998 romantic comedy film directed by Shankar was only her second venture and was an instant success as well. Aishwarya once again gave a graceful performance as Madhumitha "Madhu" and Vaishnavi (Madhu's fake twin). Aishwarya was highly commended for her perfect comic timing and also for her breathtaking skills as a classical dancer.

3) HUM DIL DE CHUKE SANAM:

In this 1999 romantic musical film, Aishwarya gives a luminous and unforgettable performance. She carried herself so gracefully that it kept her from becoming just another exquisite accessory to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s luxurious set. She played the role of Nandini, a conservative woman who is confronted with the ultimate moral dilemma. The film when on to bag her awards and was considered to be her big dramatic breakthrough. 

4) TAAL:

This Subhash Ghai 1999 musical romantic drama film stands out as it sees Aishwarya Rai in a never before seen role for the first time. The film understands the keen idolization of stardom on screen and hedges all its bets on Aishwarya who would come to grip an entire generation as an elegant dancer and arresting screen presence. Aishwarya Rai is central in the film and brings out her magical, hypnotic superstar side out..

5) KANDUKONDAIN KANDUKONDAIN:

In this adaptation of the Jane Austen’s novel Sense and Sensibility by Rajiv Menon directed, Aishwarya plays the role of Meenakshi in the romantic drama film. Her restrained performance even won her won her immense critical praise.

6) DEVDAS:

Aishwarya plays the role of Paro a.k.a. Parvati, the estranged lover of Devdas in this 2002 period romantic drama film. She completed dominated the screen and stole the show every time she made her appearance. Her dance-off with Madhuri Dixit for the song ‘Dola Re’ still remains iconic to this day.

7) GURU:

Aishwarya Rai played the role of Sujata "Suju" Desai, a character based on Kokila Dhirubhai Ambani, in this 2007 drama directed by Mani Ratnam. Rai’s beauty and dancing skills were put in the forefront for all to see through two incredible songs ‘Barso Re’ and ‘Tere Bina’. 

8) JODHAA AKBAR:

This Ashutosh Gowariker directed epic historical romantic drama film which released back in 2008 saw Aishwarya play the role of Jodhaa Bai, the Hindu wife of Mughal emperor Akbar, played by Hrithik Roshan. Rai blows everyone away once again with her phenomenal performance as Jodhaa who slowly comes to terms with her marriage to a husband of different faith and eventually learns to look past cultural barriers and appreciate him.

9) RAAVANAN:

Aishwarya have her most genuine performance till date in this 2010 epic action-adventure Mani Ratnam film. She plays the role of Ragini, strong woman who does not fear her kidnapper. Her performance in this places her in a completely different league than other Bollywood actresses with is both mesmeric and award-winning worthy. 

10) PONNIYIN SELVAN 1:

Aishwarya plays the role of the grey-shaded Nandini in Mani Ratnam’s magnum opus. She instantly garnered critical praise for her portrayal as Nandini who is determined to wreak havoc on the Chola dynasty. Rai's menacing and scheming role is easily one of the most villainous characters ever to exist in movie history. She manages to make Nandini’s arc effortless convincing by bringing just the right combination of suppressed rage and fury in her performance. Aishwarya Rai's performance is indeed one of the biggest ever highlights of the film and is a great casting choice, as well.