Top 10 model turned actresses in India

The hackneyed phrase ‘Models can’t act’ has now become obsolete as models have shown that they are not just stage porcelain dolls but can also show off their acting prowess. Most of these stunning female models are so awesome when it comes to acting that the mainstream actresses now feel jeopardized at the panorama of another model joining the film bandwagon. These girls have proved that ‘Models can act’ and, if truth be told, they have a far better record than their male counterparts. Let’s have a look at these top 10 model turned actresses in India.

10. Monikangana Dutta:

At the age of 21, the Assamese beauty was discovered outside her Delhi college and in a few years time she became a stable face on the ramp. One of Victoria’s Secret Angel, Monikangana made an excellent debut in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film ‘Guzaarish’ and has proved that nothing is really impossible for a mega flourishing Indian model.

9. Jacqueline Fernandez:

Miss Sri Lanka, Jacqueline Fernandez came to Mumbai and started her career in modeling, soon to be recognized by Bollywood filmmakers. She debuted in 2009 with Aladin but failed to leave an impression. However,after acting in Murder – 2, she is one of the hottest new faces of the Bhatt Camp. She was also seen in Houseful opposite John Abraham.

8. Ishaa Koppikar:

The Khallas girl started working in an ad with Gautam Rajadhyaksha when she was in college. She modeled for various names like Camay, Rexona, L’Oreal, Coca-Cola and Tips & Toes. Her film career started as an item girl in Ram Gopal Varma’s,“Company.” The song “Khallas” not only was a big hit but made her famous overnight. She then worked in another item song in “Kaante” in 2002 and has a few movies in her credit.

7. Mugdha Godse:

A semi-finalist in Femina Miss India 2004, Mugdha made her Bollywood debut in Madhur Bhandarkar’s “Fashion”. She was loved a lot for her acting in this film. She then even went on to star in another Madhur Bhandarkar film, ‘Jail’ which, however bombed at the box office. Hopefully, Mugdha will bounce back and etch out as successful a career in Bollywood like she did as a model.

6. Anushka Sharma:

At the age of 15, this chubby girl was seen at the Lakme Fashion Week. Next, she had a dream debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan at the age of 20. This Bangalore based model finally made a mark in the industry with her blockbuster film ‘Band Baaja Baraat’, sweeping quite a number of awards for her act. Today, she is one of the most promising new actresses of Bollywood and will be seen this Diwali in Yash Chopra’s “Jab Tak Hai Jaan” opposite Shah Rukh Khan once again.

5. Deepika Padukone:

With a flourishing modelling career and a Kingfisher Calendar photo-shoot to her glory, Deepika broke into Bollywood with Farah Khan’s super-hit movie, ‘Om Shanti Om’. Ms.Padukone however, does not like being called a model-turned-actress because according to her, she has not quit modeling and would pursue it again when she feels the urge to do so. Nevertheless, the young damsel is counted amongst some of the most successful actresses in the industry at the moment.

4. Freida Pinto:

After her appearance in the Oscar winning film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, Freida has been living in a dream. Before her stint in acting she modeled for four years appearing on various magazine covers and ramp shows. She was also an anchor in the show ‘Full Circle’ on Zee International Asia Pacific Freida is one of the most successful Indians in the West and her credit for landing on the Hollywood scene undoubtedly goes to her modelling career.

3. Katrina Kaif:

Katrina started her modelling career at the age of 14 in London. After appearing at the London Fashion Week, she entered in Bollywood and starred in the terrible film ‘Boom’. After the movie flopped, Kat stayed in Mumbai and continued modelling while learning Hindi and taking up acting classes. At present, the Brit star is one of the top actresses of the country with an awesome box-office success ratio which other actresses can only envy.

2. Bipasha Basu:

This Bong bombshell’s career took off in 1999 at the age of 17 when she won the Ford Supermodel Contest. In no time she became a leading super model of her time. Bipasha joined Bollywood with Abbas-Mustan’s ‘Ajnabee’ for which she even won the Filmfare award for the Best Debutant Actress. Her booming transition from modelling to acting has been exceptional and many aspiring models wannabe actress look up to her as a role model.

1. Preity Zinta:

Preity started her career as a model and won million of hearts with her Liril and Perk ad. Her performance in the Liril ad caught the attention of the legendary director Shekhar Kapur. The director signed her up with Hrithik Roshan in a movie titled “Tara Ram Pum Pum”, although the movie was never made. Later, she got an opportunity to work in celebrated south Indian director Mani Ratnam’s movie “Dil Se.” Preity’s acting career was totally outstanding – making her the most successful model turned actresses in India.