By: Aysha Schurman
There are many Bollywood stars who are, while not nearly as well paid, just as popular and wildly adored as their Hollywood counterparts. Bollywood movies are Hindi films produced in India. The traditional Bollywood, in Mumbai is the capital of the country's movie industry.
Bollywood stars live glamorous lives and have tons of fans. They get hounded by paparazzi and are often in the headlines of gossip rags. Their careers are also just as shaky as any other stars, with their latest movie often determining their worthiness for fame.
Bollywood Male Stars
- Amitabh Bachchan is one of India's most well-respected actors, with a career that spans over 30 years. He has even hosted India's version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, known as Kaun Banega Crorepati? His films include Saat Hindustani, The Last Lear, Baghban and Sanjog.Arjun Rampal is considered a huge heartthrob in Bollywood. The supermodel turned actor was not a hit in his first film, but the role brought many other offers that paid off. He is now a major figure in Bollywood, having even filmed a beverage commercial with Nicole Kidman. His movies include Om Shanti Om, Deewanapan, Fox and The Last Lear.
- Raj Kapoor is Bollywood legend. The producer/performer helped build India's popular movie industry. He created epic stories of epic length and filled then with music, dancing and lots of costume changes. His family is seen as a sort of a royal movie dynasty, with many of members having starred in Bollywood films. His movies include Awaara, Aah, Vakil Babu and Shri 420.
- Salman Khan broke into acting rather quickly with the help of his father, famous writer Salim Khan. He is seen off-screen as a "bad boy," with good reason. He is the favorite target for tabloid magazines, but has many hit films under his belt. His movies include Maine Pyar Kiya, Phir Milenge, Saajan and Karan Arjun.
Bollywood Female Stars
- Aishwarya Rai started off as a model and starred in many commercials. She won the coveted title of Miss World in 1994, which helped launch her award-winning acting career in Bollywood. She has even been immortalized in Madam Tussaud's Wax Museum in London. Her movies include Dhoom:2, Bride & Prejudice, Guru and Sarkar Raj.
- Kareena Kapoor was born to a well known family of actors and actresses. She starred in her first film, Refugee, in 2000. Since her debut she has become an award-winning actress and fashion icon. Her movies include Chameli, Omkara, Jab We Met and Kambakkht Ishq.
- Suhasini Mani Ratnam is a well-respected and award-winning Bollywood actress who started out as a makeup artist and hair stylist. As her career has matured she has also worked as a director and writer. Her movies include Sindhu Bhairavi, Koodevide, Aegan and Shock.
- Vidya Balan is a beautiful Bollywood starlet with a very promising career ahead of her. She started out acting in commercials, but soon landed a role in the hit movie Parineeta in 2006. The role launched her career and she has made many films during her brief time in the limelight. Her movies include Kismat Konnection, Guru, Heyy Babyy and Halla Bol.
