Bipasha Basu is one of the model turned actresses who has succeeded in a big way in the Hindi film industry. She is a huge sex symbol, knows it and has no qualms about it. She was even voted the sexiest Asian woman in a poll taken in 2007.

She was the winner of the Ford's Godrej Cinthol Supermodel contest for 1996 and is currently one of the mainstream actresses in Bollywood.

As an actress though, Bipasha still has to prove her self though admittedly she has shown the odd spark or two when given the chance in a film like Corporate (2006) whereas her other highly regarded performances like Jism (2003) and No Entry (2005) have worked more due to her being cast correctly rather than her acting talent.

Birthday: January 7th, 1979 in New Delhi.

Debut Film: Abbas-Mustan's Ajnabee (2001).

Major Impact: Raaz (2002).

Successful Films: Jism (2003), No Entry (2005), Corporate (2006), Omkara (2006), Dhoom 2 (2006), Race (2008), Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008).

Awards: Winner of the Filmfare Best Female Debut Award for Ajnabee and nominated for the Filmfare Best Villain Award for Jism.

Forthcoming Films: Aa Dekhen Zara and Lamhaa.

Forthcomng International Film: Chaimera opposite Billy Zane.

Facts we didn't know:

Actually wanted to be a doctor

Bipasha means deep dark desire.

Was one of the judges for the 2004 'Femina Miss India' pageant.

Once said that she wished she were a boy, then she would get those roles which bypass her due to her image.

Listed #2 by UK magazine Eastern Eye one of "Asia's Sexiest Women" (Sept/2006).

Bipasha was considered 'ugly' in her younger years due to her dark complexion.

Has two sisters named Bidisha and Bijoyeta.