Aishwarya Rai: The Hollywood star

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who is turning 39 today, is enjoying her mommy break for the last one and a half years. However, now that she has confessed to reading a few scripts, her comeback will soon be a reality.

A few months ago, there was rife speculation in the media about her making a comeback not with a Bollywood but a Hollywood film. The rumour mills also stated that the film would star actor Billy Zane (who played Kate Winslet's fiancé in Titanic). However, like other rumours, this too died a painful death with no confirmation coming from any quarters.

But, there is no smoke without fire. Aishwarya has starred in Hollywood movies and they have done reasonably well in the past. Her films include 'Provoked', 'Bride and Prejudice', 'The Mistress of Spices', 'The Last Legion' and 'The Pink Panther 2'. 
 

'Bride and Prejudice'

'Bride and Prejudice' marked the first English-speaking role for Aishwarya Rai, who had firmly established herself as India's leading female star. The film was an adaptation of the Jane Austen novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’. It was a big commercial success and was named among the ’10 Best wedding films’ by a UK critic.
 

'The Mistress of Spices'

Aishwarya essayed the role of Tilo, an immigrant from India, who is a shopkeeper, an unusually strong clairvoyant, and a chosen Mistress of Spices. The Spices she gives to her customers help them to satisfy their certain needs and desires.

'The Mistress of Spices' received bad reviews from critics. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reported that only 13% of professional critics gave the film a positive review, with an average score of 3.9/10.
 

'Provoked'

'Provoked' is the true story of a Punjabi woman named Kiranjit Ahluwalia who leaves India to marry a London-based guy, only to be badly abused. She ends up in prison for murdering her abusive husband.

The film received mixed reactions from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes the film has a rating of 29 percent.

Critic Subhash K Jha wrote: "Full credit to Aishwarya Rai for plunging deep into a part that she plays straight from her heart. There're moments in the narrative where Rai melts your heart like an ice-cream cone left out in the sun for too long."

'The Last Legion'

Aishwarya appeared as a warrior from Kerala named Mira in Doug Lefler's epic film 'The Last Legion', alongside Sir Ben Kingsley, Colin Firth, and Thomas Sangster. The film was a critical failure.

'Pink Panther 2'

Ash appeared in Harald Zwart's spy comedy film 'The Pink Panther 2', where she played the role of criminology expert Sonia Solandres. Like its predecessor, the sequel received negative reviews from critics, and did a moderate business at the US box office.
 

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