From just a sleazy bimbo to hot fav celeb, with fans like Abhishek, Hrithik and Zayed, Mallika Sherawat has come a long way.

Her success has inspired many girls like Sayali Bhagat, the former Miss India, who says bold films have made Mallika an international celebrity today and she would not mind following in Mallika's footsteps. She sees no wrong in using her sex quotient to attract attention.

According to some expert Bollywood watchers, she has the assets to outdo Neha Dhupia and Mallika Sherawat if she was willing to give a free reign to the wild streak within her when in front of the camera!

Mallika's performances on screen so far have been, if nothing else, attention grabbing. For example, she got the attention of Mani Ratnam all right who reportedly has signed her up for his forthcoming Guru which stars Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai.

Her role in the film, though short, is believed to be significant. A Mani Ratnam source was quoted as saying that Mallika's is a very crucial cameo critical to the narrative of the film.

Final casting of the film is yet to be announced but according to reports Vivek Oberoi has opted out of the film most likely because of the presence of Aishwarya and Abhishek's in the cast.

Promos of Mallika Sherawat's upcoming film 'Shadi Se Pehle' with Akshay Khanna and Ayesha Takia suggest that Mallika hasn't lost form. She sizzles in the role of a sexy model in the romantic comedy by Satish Kaushik. The film is set for release in early April.

Mallika has also signed films with Ram Gopal Verma and Subhash Ghai.

Considering how sought after Ms. Mallika has become in the film industry, it is not surprising that she has now become a role model for other actresses aspiring to stardom.