After virtually no release for a long time, Aishwarya makes up for her absence with the much-awaited Devdas.

It was Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam that catapulted Aishwarya Rai in the top rung of actresses. Her stirring portrayal of the stubborn yet sensitive Nandini in HDDCS was applauded unanimously.

Interestingly, Kareena Kapoor had auditioned for Paro's role, but Bhansali thought Ash was better suited for the part.