Top 5 heroines of 2008

Every year sees the rise and fall of many heroines. Sometimes the status quo remains the same and at other times, surprises are thrown up at the end of the year. 2008 saw the entry of many hopefuls; a few got�entry into the exclusive club of main heroines, while others had to be satisfied with second heroines roles and hoping to graduate to the next level (of main heroine). So who were the top 5 Telugu heroines of 2008?

Trisha

She�stayed on top this year, both in�Telugu and Tamil films. Starting off the year with Bujjigadu opposite Prabhas, Trisha is signing off the year with Nagarjuna's King, both of which have proved to be major hits.

Genelia

Genelia, who wowed audiences in Santhosh Subramaniam and Ready, has crossed the Vindhyas to star in the multiplex hit Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (Hindi). With her slim figure and expressive eyes, she's the darling of the masses. Her Sasirekha Parinayam opposite Tarun, showcasing her liveliness and little-lost-girl appearance, will cement her position as a top heroine in 2009 as well

Anushka Shetty

Anushka Shetty�came third with her kitty full of hits. Opening the year with Okka Magaadu (mega hit), Swagatham had a tepid response at the box office, Sowryam established her as sensuous sex-bomb and Chintakayala Ravi was the cherry on Anushka's cake as she was cast opposite superstar Venkatesh. Anushka's awaiting the release of the heroine-oriented�Arundhati in which she has a double role.

Ileana

Ileana, who sizzled in Jalsa opposite Pawan Kalyan, conquered male hearts with her innocent portrayal� of a runaway Juliet in Bhale Dongalu. Though she took a sabbatical and went home to Goa, she was back with a bang, signing up four movies: with Vishnu Vardhan (Saleem), Nitin (Local) and two other untitled flicks, which are due for release in early 2009.

Nayantara

Nayantara comes�fifth because Kathanayakudu, one of her biggest releases,�did not fare well at the box office. And close on its heels came Salute starring Vishal which is more remembered for its provocative poses than the performances of its lead actors. Still, Nayantara remained in Telugu audiences' minds as a sizzling hot heroine. She has recovered lost ground admirably by signing a film opposite�young hunk Jr. NTR, who is the spitting image of his grandfather, the legendary�Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao.