Aishwarya Rai — the name itself evokes grace, brilliance, and a cinematic legacy that spans over two decades. From winning the Miss World crown in 1994 to becoming one of the most celebrated actresses in Indian cinema, Aishwarya’s journey has been a fascinating blend of beauty, intellect, and artistic mastery.
Renowned for her elegance and expressive eyes, Aishwarya has worked across Hindi and Tamil cinema, collaborating with legends like Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Mani Ratnam, and Ashutosh Gowariker. With two Filmfare Awards and the Padma Shri to her name, she remains an enduring symbol of excellence in Indian cinema.
Here’s a look at the top 10 movies of Aishwarya Rai — performances that defined her career and made her one of the most admired stars of her generation.
1. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Co-stars: Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn
If there’s one film that captured Aishwarya’s radiance, emotional range, and depth as a performer, it’s Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, this romantic epic remains a cornerstone of her career. Aishwarya plays Nandini, a spirited young woman torn between two forms of love — the carefree passion she shares with Sameer (Salman Khan) and the mature, selfless love of Vanraj (Ajay Devgn).
Her performance is layered with innocence, heartbreak, and dignity, establishing her as more than just a beautiful face. The music by Ismail Darbar, rich with timeless tracks like Tadap Tadap and Nimbooda, enhanced her charm on screen. The film’s grandeur, Bhansali’s meticulous direction, and Aishwarya’s magnetic presence make Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam one of Aishwarya Rai’s best movies and a defining moment in 90s Bollywood cinema.
2. Devdas (2002)
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Co-stars: Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit
In Devdas, Aishwarya Rai portrayed Paro with a balance of strength, elegance, and tragedy that made her unforgettable. Adapted from Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s classic novel, this visual masterpiece reunited her with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who once again created a lavish canvas for her brilliance.
As Paro, Aishwarya embodied love in its purest, most painful form. Her chemistry with Shah Rukh Khan added soul to the film’s tragedy, while her silent resilience and emotional turmoil brought audiences to tears. The film’s breathtaking sets, music, and opulent costumes contributed to the timeless allure. Devdas became an international success, further cementing her global appeal.
With critical acclaim and commercial success, Devdas stands tall among the top 10 best movies of Aishwarya Rai, showing her ability to turn poetic pain into cinematic art.
3. Jodhaa Akbar (2008)
Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
Co-stars: Hrithik Roshan, Sonu Sood
A historical romance of grand scale, Jodhaa Akbar saw Aishwarya Rai as the epitome of grace and courage. Playing Jodhaa Bai, a Rajput princess who finds love in her political marriage to Emperor Akbar, Aishwarya brought regal dignity to the screen.
Her portrayal wasn’t just about beauty — it was about strength. As Jodhaa, she displayed intelligence, composure, and emotional complexity, matching Hrithik Roshan’s Akbar in both performance and presence. The film’s lavish sets, A.R. Rahman’s ethereal score, and Gowariker’s direction created an immersive experience, while Aishwarya’s authenticity anchored the spectacle in emotion.
Her effortless poise, expressive eyes, and commanding dialogue delivery made Jodhaa Akbar one of the top 10 movies of Aishwarya Rai, earning her critical praise worldwide.
4. Taal (1999)
Director: Subhash Ghai
Co-stars: Akshaye Khanna, Anil Kapoor
Few roles have celebrated Aishwarya’s screen presence like Taal. As Mansi, an aspiring singer from a small hill town, she glides through a world of glamour, love, and heartbreak. Subhash Ghai crafted the film as a musical drama about ambition, loyalty, and self-worth — themes that resonated with audiences.
Aishwarya’s ability to shift from innocence to fierce independence was striking. Her dance sequences, complemented by A.R. Rahman’s award-winning soundtrack, remain unforgettable. Songs like Ishq Bina and Taal Se Taal Mila became anthems, showcasing her grace as both an actress and a dancer.
With its rich cinematography and heartfelt narrative, Taal remains among Aishwarya Rai’s best movies, perfectly blending emotion, elegance, and music-driven storytelling.
5. Dhoom 2 (2006)
Director: Sanjay Gadhvi
Co-stars: Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan
When Dhoom 2 hit theatres, it redefined commercial Bollywood cinema with its style and energy. Aishwarya’s transformation into Sunehri — a cunning thief and partner to Hrithik Roshan’s Mr. A — showcased her boldest avatar yet.
Breaking away from her conventional roles, Aishwarya embraced this glamorous, action-packed part with confidence and attitude. Her sizzling chemistry with Hrithik became one of the film’s highlights, and her sharp screen presence brought depth to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional.
With breathtaking visuals, high-speed chases, and chartbuster songs like Crazy Kiya Re, Dhoom 2 became one of the biggest blockbusters of its time. It also marked a new phase in Aishwarya’s career — fearless, modern, and unapologetically stylish — securing its place among the top 10 best movies of Aishwarya Rai.
6. Guru (2007)
Director: Mani Ratnam
Co-stars: Abhishek Bachchan, Mithun Chakraborty
In Guru, Aishwarya Rai joined forces with visionary director Mani Ratnam to deliver one of her most grounded and emotionally authentic performances. The film, loosely inspired by the life of industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani, follows the rise of Gurukant Desai (Abhishek Bachchan) from a small-town dreamer to a business magnate.
Aishwarya’s role as Sujata, his resilient and understanding wife, is subtle yet deeply moving. She becomes the moral compass of the story — a quiet pillar of strength who embodies loyalty and determination. The chemistry between the real-life couple Abhishek and Aishwarya added warmth to the narrative, while A.R. Rahman’s soulful score elevated its emotional impact.
Guru isn’t just a business saga; it’s a love story wrapped in ambition. Aishwarya’s restrained performance earned critical acclaim, placing this film firmly among the top 10 movies of Aishwarya Rai.
7. Raincoat (2004)
Director: Rituparno Ghosh
Co-stars: Ajay Devgn, Annu Kapoor
Raincoat stands as one of Aishwarya Rai’s most mature and poignant films. Directed by Rituparno Ghosh, it strips away glamour to reveal the actress’s depth as a performer. The story revolves around two former lovers who reunite after years, only to discover how drastically life has changed.
As Neeru, Aishwarya delivers an understated performance marked by restraint and realism. Her eyes carry the weight of lost dreams, and her body language reflects a quiet resignation. The simplicity of the film — one house, one afternoon, two souls — allows Aishwarya’s emotional honesty to shine.
This National Award-winning film received immense critical praise for its nuanced portrayal of love, regret, and nostalgia. Raincoat remains one of Aishwarya Rai’s best movies for its raw human truth and subtle artistry, proving her command over minimalistic, performance-driven cinema.
8. Guzaarish (2010)
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Co-stars: Hrithik Roshan, Shernaz Patel
In Guzaarish, Aishwarya Rai reunited with Bhansali and Hrithik Roshan for a soul-stirring story about compassion, dignity, and freedom. The film follows Ethan (Hrithik), a paralyzed magician who petitions for euthanasia, while Aishwarya plays Sofia, his devoted caretaker torn between duty and love.
Her portrayal is a masterclass in quiet strength. Sofia’s love is never loud but deeply felt — conveyed through her glances, silences, and selfless gestures. The film’s mood, soaked in Bhansali’s trademark visual beauty and operatic music, adds to its emotional resonance.
Though not a commercial blockbuster, Guzaarish earned critical acclaim and international recognition for its performances and aesthetics. It remains one of the top 10 best movies of Aishwarya Rai, symbolizing her ability to express emotion through grace and understatement.
9. Raavanan (2010)
Director: Mani Ratnam
Co-stars: Vikram, Prithviraj Sukumaran
In Mani Ratnam’s modern retelling of the Ramayana, Aishwarya Rai delivered a compelling performance as Ragini — a woman abducted by a rebel leader and caught between fear and empathy.
Raavanan is visually magnificent and emotionally complex, exploring the thin line between good and evil. Aishwarya’s portrayal of Ragini showcases her ability to capture moral confusion and human vulnerability. Her scenes opposite Vikram are charged with intensity, while her subtle expressions communicate the story’s emotional core.
Shot in the lush forests of India, the film’s breathtaking visuals mirror the chaos of its characters. Aishwarya’s grace under emotional duress and Mani Ratnam’s layered storytelling make Raavanan one of the most underrated yet essential entries among the top 10 movies of Aishwarya Rai..
10. Sarbjit (2016)
Director: Omung Kumar
Co-stars: Randeep Hooda, Richa Chadha
Sarbjit presented one of Aishwarya Rai’s most intense performances. Based on a true story, it chronicles the struggle of Dalbir Kaur (Aishwarya), who fights relentlessly to free her brother Sarabjit (Randeep Hooda) after he’s wrongfully imprisoned in Pakistan.
Her portrayal of Dalbir captures the anguish and determination of a sister battling against political and emotional odds. The transformation—from hopeful advocate to broken yet unyielding fighter—is deeply moving. Though the film belongs to a heavy genre, Aishwarya’s portrayal ensures it remains accessible and emotional.
With powerful dialogues, stirring music, and a heartbreaking finale, Sarbjit reaffirmed her as a performer of rare conviction. It’s a fitting inclusion among the top 10 best movies of Aishwarya Rai, highlighting her range beyond glamour into gritty realism.
Honorable Mentions
While these ten define her legacy, several other performances deserve mention — Chokher Bali (2003), Provoked (2006), Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016), and Ponniyin Selvan: I & II (2022–23) — each adding new shades to her versatile repertoire.
Why Aishwarya Rai’s Filmography Still Resonates
From grandeur-laden romances like Devdas to emotionally rich dramas like Raincoat, Aishwarya Rai’s filmography stands as a testament to her adaptability. She isn’t defined by one genre — she’s conquered them all. Whether portraying a royal queen, a modern lover, or a woman of resilience, Aishwarya embodies characters with sincerity and conviction.
Her collaborations with filmmakers like Bhansali and Mani Ratnam have created cinematic benchmarks, while her cross-industry projects have given her an enduring pan-Indian appeal. Even after decades, her charisma, elegance, and emotional command remain unmatched — proving why she continues to reign among the legends.
FAQs
Q1: What are the top 10 movies of Aishwarya Rai?
A: Some of her best films include Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Jodhaa Akbar, Guru, Raincoat, Guzaarish, Raavanan, Taal, Dhoom 2, and Sarbjit.
Q2: Which is considered Aishwarya Rai’s best movie?
A: While opinions differ, Devdas and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam are often cited as her finest performances for their emotional depth and visual grandeur.
Q3: Has Aishwarya Rai acted in Tamil films?
A: Yes, she began her career in Tamil cinema with Iruvar (1997) and later appeared in Raavanan and Ponniyin Selvan series, which received immense acclaim.
Q4: What makes Aishwarya Rai’s career special?
A: Her ability to balance commercial success with artistic depth, combined with global recognition and timeless beauty, makes her a rare and enduring icon.
Q5: Which Aishwarya Rai movie had the most iconic songs?
A: Taal (1999) featured some of A.R. Rahman’s finest compositions, making it one of Aishwarya Rai’s most musically celebrated and visually stunning films.
Q6: Did Aishwarya Rai win any awards for Devdas?
A: Yes, Aishwarya Rai won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Devdas (2002), honoring her emotionally powerful portrayal of Paro in Bhansali’s masterpiece.
Q7: Which director has Aishwarya Rai collaborated with most frequently?
A: Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for grandeur and emotional storytelling, has directed her in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, and Guzaarish.
Q8: What is Aishwarya Rai’s most underrated performance?
A: Raincoat (2004) by Rituparno Ghosh remains her most underrated work, showcasing her subtle acting brilliance without the typical Bollywood glamour.
Q9: Which recent films mark Aishwarya Rai’s comeback?
A: Her role as Nandini in Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan: I & II (2022–2023) marked a powerful return to Tamil cinema, earning wide critical acclaim.
Q10: What was Aishwarya Rai’s debut film?
A: Aishwarya Rai made her acting debut in Mani Ratnam’s Iruvar (1997), a critically acclaimed Tamil political drama that immediately showcased her screen presence and acting potential.
Conclusion
Aishwarya Rai’s journey in cinema is not merely about stardom — it’s about evolution, excellence, and endurance. Every film in this list of top 10 movies of Aishwarya Rai reveals a different shade of her craft: the romantic idealist, the royal queen, the heartbroken woman, and the resilient fighter.
Across decades and languages, she continues to command admiration for her performances and her persona. Whether she’s dancing in Bhansali’s opulent frames or delivering quiet monologues in Rituparno Ghosh’s simplicity, Aishwarya Rai remains cinema’s eternal muse — a symbol of beauty with purpose.
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