Aishwarya Rai's performance in Provoked has won her hundreds of fans worlwide. Those who have seen the film seem pretty impressed with Ash's portrayal of a battered wife in the film. Some have even said that Ash has played her part "to perfection".

Ask any one in the west and they'll tell you, how Ash has become the flavour of the season there. Hollywood star Van Damme, who was guest of honour at IIFA awards in Dubai is seriously mulling over roping her in for his latest flick ‘Asterix At The Olympic Games'.

She will also be seen in The Last Legion, in which she plays a warrior princess. The film, directed by Doug Lefler, stars Colin Firth, Ben Kingsley and Thomas Sangster.

But will all these plum project help her to retain her crown in Bollwood? It doesn't seem so.

Back home a new battle with Sush is awaiting Ash. While Ash has already announced her film with Ketan Mehta last year, Sushmita Sen decided to produce a film on the same subject under her banner, Tantra.

Talking to press she argues, "It's my dream project and I want to be sure about it. Why should I shelve my film because Ash is playing Lakshmibai too, in Ketan Mehta's film? She will do it in her own way and I wish her all the best."

Incidentally, Sushmita and Rani Lakshmibai share the same birthday, that is November 19. Who'll win this battle of the beauties only, only time will tell.