Mallika and Rakhi are two names thatbra make heads turn and spell OOMPH. The sex symbols have been known to hit tabloid headlines since their entry in to the industry and especially of late, what with Rakhi appearing on Karan Johar's high-profile show, and Mallika doing a Rs 1.5 crore guest appearance in Himesh Reshammiya's Aap Ka Suroor

But recently the question that has been arising is who is the best? The diva! The Marilyn Monroe of Bollywood...

The bindaas Rakhi Sawant makes no bones about her humble background, rather she has been able to use it to her own advantage. Born to a Mumbai policeman, she entered Bollywood through the music video and item number route. Since then, she's done umpteen no. of minor roles in several minor movies.

Mallika Sherawat, the self proclaimed 'empress' (Mallika) of the tabloids, in contrast, made the right move to begin with, changing her name, divorcing her husband and kissing her first hero (Khwahish) 17 times. Since then, her rise has been steady.

Her latest appearance in Aap Ka Suroor played up her vamp image, complete with Helen style Mehbooba dance. Mallika has done an excellent job crossing over from being a cheez to a heroine acting with Rahul Bose, and commanding Rs 1.5 crore for a guest appearance in Aap ka Suroor.

Certainly in the big league, she's also regarded as sexy rather than beautiful. Mallika was the first Bollywood actor to receive an offer from Playboy to pose nude, which she turned down. Both are known for courting controversy.

"I've slogged like crazy to get where I am. And those who think it's just my body that got me where I am, they should take a look at the others who have rushed in after me.

They haven't gone beyond their first feverish film," says Mallika, but Rakhi isn't very far behind with "I am not Mallika Sherawat, I am not Aishwarya Rai, I am not Preity Zinta. I am Rakhi Sawant and I represent the general public" and "Jo bhagwan nahi deta woh doctor deta hai.

Rakhi, with her unabashed comments about her plastic surgery, her kiss with Mika and her controversial Bigg Boss appearance.

Lets take a case study of Koffee with Karan.

Karan Johar has featured every celebrity worth showcasing on his show. And almost each one has mentioned either Rakhi or Mallika in conversation not always in a complimentary way.

While Mallika herself appeared on the show last season with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Rakhi has only just come on —solo. Rumours have it that no star wanted to appear with her. Both got accolades for the way they handled themselves —with frills and blatant attitude.

Says brand domain expert Harish Bijoor, "Both have been in the public eye and have common points to offer. But Mallika's positioning has been on the level of class, she's branded herself with her work. While Rakhi believes all publicity is good publicity —that's not good brand positioning."

"Mallika Sherawat is instantly associated with one word: sexy. Her positioning is sharper. Rakhi Sawant's brand positioning, on the other hand, is what's known as dissipated —a bit of this and that. The name Rakhi raises the thought of controversy /Mika/kissing/exposure.