And you thought India is still a long way from achieving success in Hollywood? Huh! Did you know that the current Bollywood numero uno Aishwarya Rai created a stir at Cannes where her film Devdas was screened following which she has caught the fancy of the names in the West?

So it`s going to be another feather in her over embellished cap? "If you wonder why her, here`s the scoop - Rai speaks English with such precise, clipped diction that interviewing her is like receiving a grammar lesson from a Royal," says a well known critic.

But contrary to popular belief, Rai hasn`t jumped onto the "Hollywood bandwagon". "It`s all about being inspired - if a role inspires, if a director inspires, irrespective of which industry offers the work I`d be open to it," says the much sought after actress with élan. Way to go, Ash!