Sukanya Verma

Bubbly, oozing sensuality, intensely feminine. They were all this and more.

Heroines in 2001 were not the usual cringing violets. They were right up there with the heroes, with their own points of view.

This year's best female stars:

Performance: It was a lukewarm year for this peppy actress. Priety did a hilarious take-off on Julia Roberts in Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, followed by an insignificant Farz.

Enter a new-look Preity Zinta, curls et al in Dil Chahta Hai. Her effervescent smile and bubbly demeanour proved a perfect foil to Aamir Khan's sardonic charm.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the insipid Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke, which proved a waste for Preity, Madhuri Dixit and Ajay Devgan.

Up next: Khullam Khulla Pyaar Karen (Govinda), Koi Mil Gaya (Hrithik Roshan)

Performance: Early this year came Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi and the year end brought Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.

Playing a double role for the second time after Dushman, Kajol was at ease in the badly rehashed version of The Parent Trap. The film bombed at the BO. In K3G Kajol emerged the surprise package of the film.

Marriage or not, Kajol continues to be Queen of hearts.

Up next: Kajol is on a self-imposed sabbatical at the moment.

Performance: Tabu's intensity and raw vulnerability were the high point of Madhur Bhandarkar's stark Chandni Bar.

It was a low profile year for Tabu till late this year when Chandni Bar hit the screens. Aimed at a certain section of audience, Chandni Bar didn't go down well with a lot of people.

Her just released Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiya was a very Govinda-Juhi Chawla film, yet Tabu made her presence felt.

Up next: Maa Tujhe Salaam (Sunny Deol, Arbaaz Khan), Filhaal (Sushmita Sen, Sanjay Suri, Palash Sen)

Performance: Last year's hot newcomer continued her winning streak by dishing out five films in a row, making her the toast of Hindi cinema this year.

Though MKKH hardly offered any scope for histrionics, her dancing skills and chic wardrobe ensured a place in the popularity list.

Showman Subhash Ghai's Yaadein proved a cold fish despite Hrithik and Bebo. It didn't affect Kareena much -- her next Ajnabee did decent business. Her firebrand act as the star-crossed lover of Asoka was appreciated. Though her Barbie doll act in K3G has been labeled loud and irritating.

Up next: Main Prem Ki Deewani (Hrithik Roshan), Khushi (Fardeen Khan), Talaash (Akshay Kumar)

Performance: Amisha Patel's luck continued this year with Gadar, which got her rave reviews. She is now in great demand.

Her woman-oriented revenge saga Yeh Zindagi Ka Safar lacked focus and nosedived.

But there's lots to come from Amisha in 2002.

Up next: Aap Mujhe Achhe Lagne Lage (Hrithik Roshan), Kya Yahi Pyaar Hai (Aftab Shivdasani), Suno Sasurji (Aftab Shivdasani), Yeh Hai Jalwa (Salman Khan), Parwane (Ajay Devgan).