Aishwarya Rai Bachchan began her career in the mid-90s and quickly rose to fame with her winning the Miss World title in 1994. She transitioned into acting, where she proved her mettle not only in Bollywood but also in international cinema. Aishwarya’s performances are known for their emotional depth, elegance, and ability to bring complex characters to life. From historical epics to contemporary dramas, let’s dive into her most iconic films.
1. Devdas (2002)
Description: A timeless romantic tragedy based on a classic Indian novel.
Overview and Features
Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, "Devdas" is one of the most iconic films in Aishwarya Rai’s career. The film is based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel of the same name and revolves around the tragic love story of Devdas (Shah Rukh Khan), Paro (Aishwarya Rai), and Chandramukhi (Madhuri Dixit). Aishwarya plays the role of Paro, Devdas’s childhood love, whose life takes a tragic turn when societal pressures and misunderstandings tear them apart.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
Aishwarya Rai’s portrayal of Paro is both graceful and heart-wrenching, with her beauty and emotional depth making her character unforgettable. The film’s lavish sets, stunning costumes, and memorable music further elevate it into a cinematic masterpiece. "Devdas" is a timeless tale of love, loss, and heartbreak, and Aishwarya’s performance earned her numerous accolades.
Unique Description: Aishwarya Rai shines in this tragic love story.
IMDb Score: 7.6
2. Jodhaa Akbar (2008)
Description: A historical romance depicting the love between a Mughal emperor and a Rajput princess.
Overview and Features
Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, "Jodhaa Akbar" is an epic romance set in the 16th century. Aishwarya Rai plays Jodhaa Bai, a Rajput princess who marries Mughal Emperor Akbar (Hrithik Roshan) to form a political alliance. The film explores their evolving relationship, from a political arrangement to a deep, passionate love story, amidst the challenges of empire and power.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
Aishwarya Rai’s portrayal of Jodhaa Bai is regal and powerful. Her performance captures the inner strength, grace, and intelligence of a princess who challenges societal norms while standing by her principles. The film’s grand sets, beautiful costumes, and epic scale make it a visual treat, and Aishwarya’s chemistry with Hrithik Roshan is electric.
Unique Description: Aishwarya portrays a regal and strong Rajput princess.
IMDb Score: 7.6
3. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)
Description: A romantic drama filled with love, sacrifice, and cultural beauty.
Overview and Features
Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam" is a heartwarming love story that revolves around Nandini (Aishwarya Rai), Sameer (Salman Khan), and Vanraj (Ajay Devgn). Nandini falls deeply in love with Sameer, but circumstances lead her to marry Vanraj. The film beautifully captures the themes of love, duty, and sacrifice as Nandini navigates her emotions.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
Aishwarya Rai delivers a powerful performance as Nandini, a young woman torn between love and responsibility. Her chemistry with Salman Khan is electric, while her scenes with Ajay Devgn are tender and emotional. The film’s stunning cinematography, colorful costumes, and memorable soundtrack, including the iconic "Nimbooda" song, make it a Bollywood classic.
Unique Description: A romantic drama showcasing love, sacrifice, and emotional depth.
IMDb Score: 7.4
4. Guru (2007)
Description: A biographical drama about an ambitious businessman’s rise to power.
Overview and Features
Directed by Mani Ratnam, "Guru" is a gripping drama inspired by the life of Indian industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani. The film follows the journey of Gurukant Desai (Abhishek Bachchan), a small-town man who dreams of becoming a successful businessman. Aishwarya Rai plays Sujata, Guru’s supportive wife, whose unwavering belief in her husband helps him navigate the ups and downs of his career.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
Aishwarya Rai’s portrayal of Sujata is understated yet powerful, bringing warmth and strength to the film. Her on-screen chemistry with Abhishek Bachchan is one of the film’s highlights. "Guru" is a compelling story of ambition, resilience, and love, and Aishwarya’s performance adds emotional depth to the film.
Unique Description: Aishwarya delivers a strong performance as a supportive wife.
IMDb Score: 7.7
5. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016)
Description: A modern romantic drama about unrequited love and complex relationships.
Overview and Features
Directed by Karan Johar, "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" explores the complexities of love, friendship, and heartbreak. Aishwarya Rai plays Saba, a poetess who enters the life of Ayan (Ranbir Kapoor) after he experiences heartbreak. The film delves into Ayan’s unrequited love for Alizeh (Anushka Sharma) and his intense relationship with Saba, who helps him heal.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
Aishwarya Rai’s portrayal of Saba is mature, elegant, and sensual. Her character brings a sense of calm and wisdom to Ayan’s chaotic emotions, and her stunning presence adds a touch of sophistication to the film. The film’s soulful soundtrack and emotional depth, combined with Aishwarya’s mesmerizing performance, make it a must-watch for fans of modern romance.
Unique Description: Aishwarya plays a wise and elegant poetess in a love triangle.
IMDb Score: 5.9
6. Provoked (2006)
Description: A gripping drama about domestic violence and a woman’s fight for justice.
Overview and Features
Directed by Jag Mundhra, "Provoked" is based on the true story of Kiranjit Ahluwalia, an Indian woman living in the UK who kills her abusive husband after years of suffering. Aishwarya Rai plays Kiranjit, and the film follows her trial and subsequent fight for justice as she becomes a symbol of the battle against domestic violence.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
Aishwarya Rai’s performance in "Provoked" is both intense and heartbreaking. She portrays Kiranjit’s pain, fear, and eventual empowerment with raw emotion, making it one of her most powerful roles. The film raises important social issues about domestic abuse and women’s rights, and Aishwarya’s performance adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.
Unique Description: Aishwarya delivers a powerful performance in this intense drama.
IMDb Score: 6.9
7. Raavan (2010)
Description: A modern retelling of the Ramayana, set against a backdrop of revenge.
Overview and Features
Directed by Mani Ratnam, "Raavan" is a modern interpretation of the Indian epic Ramayana. Aishwarya Rai plays Ragini, a woman kidnapped by Beera (Abhishek Bachchan), a bandit seeking revenge against her husband, Dev (Vikram), a police officer. The film explores the moral complexities of good and evil as Ragini finds herself torn between her husband and her captor.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Raavan" offers a visually stunning and emotionally charged narrative, with Aishwarya delivering a powerful performance as the conflicted Ragini. Her portrayal captures the internal struggle of a woman caught between love, loyalty, and empathy. The film’s lush cinematography, dramatic storytelling, and intense performances make it a must-watch.
Unique Description: A modern retelling of the Ramayana with moral complexities.
IMDb Score: 5.4
8. Taal (1999)
Description: A musical love story about love, ambition, and family honor.
Overview and Features
Directed by Subhash Ghai, "Taal" is a musical drama that explores the themes of love, family honor, and ambition. Aishwarya Rai plays Mansi, a talented village girl who falls in love with Manav (Akshaye Khanna), the son of a wealthy businessman. However, their love is tested by societal differences, leading Mansi to pursue a successful career in music under the mentorship of Vikrant (Anil Kapoor).
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Taal" showcases Aishwarya Rai’s beauty, grace, and talent as a dancer and actress. Her performance as Mansi is both emotionally powerful and artistically captivating, particularly in the film’s mesmerizing dance sequences. The film’s stunning visuals, soulful soundtrack by A. R. Rahman, and engaging storyline make it a Bollywood classic.
Unique Description: Aishwarya captivates as a talented singer in a musical love story.
IMDb Score: 6.7
9. Guzaarish (2010)
Description: A moving drama about a paraplegic man’s fight for dignity and euthanasia.
Overview and Features
Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, "Guzaarish" is a heart-wrenching drama about Ethan (Hrithik Roshan), a former magician who becomes a paraplegic after a tragic accident. Aishwarya Rai plays Sofia, Ethan’s devoted nurse who supports him in his battle for the right to end his life through euthanasia. The film explores themes of life, death, and the desire for dignity.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
Aishwarya Rai’s performance as Sofia is both tender and powerful, bringing grace and compassion to the role. Her on-screen chemistry with Hrithik Roshan adds emotional depth to the film’s sensitive subject matter. "Guzaarish" is a visually stunning film that tackles difficult themes with elegance, and Aishwarya’s portrayal of Sofia adds to its emotional weight.
Unique Description: Aishwarya delivers a graceful performance in this emotional drama.
IMDb Score: 7.4
10. Enthiran (2010)
Description: A sci-fi action film about artificial intelligence and love.
Overview and Features
Directed by S. Shankar, "Enthiran" is a groundbreaking sci-fi film starring Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai. The story follows Dr. Vaseegaran (Rajinikanth), a scientist who creates an intelligent humanoid robot named Chitti. However, when Chitti falls in love with Vaseegaran’s girlfriend, Sana (Aishwarya Rai), things spiral out of control as the robot develops human emotions.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Enthiran" is a visual spectacle with cutting-edge special effects, and Aishwarya Rai’s role as Sana adds warmth and charm to the film. Her chemistry with Rajinikanth is electric, and her presence brings a touch of romance to the sci-fi narrative. The film’s unique blend of action, romance, and technology makes it one of the most innovative films in Indian cinema.
Unique Description: Aishwarya stars in a visually stunning sci-fi spectacle.
IMDb Score: 7.1
FAQs
1. What are some of the best Aishwarya Rai movies?
Some of the best Aishwarya Rai movies include "Devdas," "Jodhaa Akbar," "Guru," and "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam."
2. Which Aishwarya Rai movie is based on a historical figure?
"Jodhaa Akbar" is a historical romance in which Aishwarya Rai plays the role of Rajput princess Jodhaa Bai.
3. What is a good modern romantic drama starring Aishwarya Rai?
"Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" is a modern romantic drama where Aishwarya plays the role of a poetess involved in a complex love triangle.
4. Has Aishwarya Rai starred in any biographical dramas?
Yes, Aishwarya Rai starred in "Guru," a biographical drama loosely based on the life of Indian industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani.
5. What sci-fi movies has Aishwarya Rai acted in?
"Enthiran" is a sci-fi movie starring Aishwarya Rai and Rajinikanth, focusing on artificial intelligence and robotics.
Aishwarya Rai’s filmography is filled with iconic performances that showcase her versatility and talent. From period dramas like Jodhaa Akbar to modern romances like Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, her films continue to captivate audiences around the world. The top 10 Aishwarya Rai movies listed here are a testament to her enduring legacy in Indian cinema. Whether you’re a fan of romance, drama, or action, these films offer something for everyone.
