Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's entry into Bollywood was somewhat inevitable. Her graceful dancing has always won the audience’s hearts after Madhuri Dixit. Aishwarya has wowed her fans and critics with her dancing which implies her grace, charm and feminine yet strong beauty. Her dancing is something which always has and always will stand out. Today, we showcase the dance performances of the actress which will always be remembered and celebrated in Bollywood for years and years:
1. "Nimbooda"& "Dholi Taro" - Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)
Adorning sky blue, Aishwarya’s dance to ‘Nimbooda’ in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam gave her yet another chance to expose her talent as a dancer. The tune and lyrics, inspired by an old folk song, added to the rooted and very traditional feel of the film. She looked like a Disney's Princess Jasmine throughout the whole song. The movie co-stars Salman Khan and the song ‘Dhol Baaje’ is picturised on the famous jodi with heart warming chemistry.
2. "Taal Se Taal Mila" - Taal (1999)
Not long after the release of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, came the ever-popular Taal. The music of the film was an instant hit with A R Rahman’s magic and beats to get everyone on the dance floors. Aishwarya Rai played the beautiful daughter of Tara Babu (Alok Nath) in the film. She wore dark brown contact lenses in the movie and looked every bit of just as beautiful as she does with her natural eye colour. This is the first time, many fell in love with Aishwarya Rai's beauty & her most beautiful eyes. Aishwarya Rai was both innocent yet sensuous in "Taal Se Taal Mila" - two beats become one.
3. "Silsila Ye Chahat Ka"& "Dola re" - Devdas (2002)
When one first thinks of this song, it’s impossible to forget the very fabulous dancing diva Madhuri Dixit who dances alongside Aishwarya. The two divas perform to ‘Dola Re’ in what is an absolute treat for the audiences. Both the epitome of the traditional Indian woman, their performances could’ve, very easily, overshadowed each other. However, to everyone’s surprise, the duo compliment each other on-screen. Saroj Khan (choreographer of Dola re) in an interview with Mumbai Mirror stated "While many dancers have danced to the Dola Re song afterwards, nobody could achieve what Madhuri and Aishwarya did. They worked really hard. There were several retakes. At a particular point, they had to fall. It had to be perfectly in sync with the beats. It was physically demanding for both actresses."
Devdas also features the very sombre ‘Silsila Yeh Chaahat Ka’ in which Aishwarya is seen to be the love-sick girlfriend awaiting the arrival of her beau played by Shah Rukh Khan. This song has a larger-than-life feel to it, more so because of the traditional attire adorned by the beauty.
4. "Kahin Aag Lage" - Taal (1999)
‘Kahin Aag Lage’ starts with Aishwarya’s emotion coming through her eyes while everything around her is bringing the story forward. With the accompanying orchestra and Anil Kapoor’s bird chants, the song features Aishwarya in some truly extravagant costumes. If you’re lucky, you might spot a very young Shahid Kapoor in one scene!
5. "Kajra Re" - Bunty Aur Babli (2005)
The buzz around this song was somewhat more than the film itself. At this point, the rumour mills were on overtime with news about a relationship between Rai and Junior Bachchan. Aishwarya Rai looked ethereal with her expressive gorgeous eyes and was full of elegance throughout her dance steps. She looked exotic and seductive. Kajra Re was an instant hit amongst the Indian audiences.
6. "Udi" - Guzaarish (2010)
The song "Udi" was choreographed by Longinus Fernandes, whom Bhansali had judged in Jhalak Dikhla Jaa, a popular dance based reality show. We saw Aishwarya Rai in a different dance form than her usual classical dances. Aishwarya's dance in Udi alongside her performance was appreciated by both the audiences and the critics. Udi was an energetic yet had a very raw & earthy feel to it. Sofia (Aishwarya's character in Guzaarish) manages to say so much through this song, the mood, the expressions and the feels. The lady is black looked luscious with her red lips combined with the bright red flower.
7. "Ishq Kamina"– Shakti: The Power (2002)
Aishwarya hasn’t done many special appearances in her career, however, this particular appearance in Shakti left the audiences shocked to say the least. The song ‘Ishq Kamina’ which stars Shah Rukh Khan, is a fast number. It brought about a completely new and fresh look for Aishwarya which further won the hearts of the masses. The song is very upbeat and this contributed to the song being not only a huge hit in audio but also in visuals.
8. "Barso Re" - Guru (2007)
Yet another song in the rain after Taal se Taal Mila for Aishwarya Rai. Well, this was the film that came just before Miss Rai became Mrs Bachchan-to-be! Her ‘Barso Re’ at the start of the film truly takes the breath away.
Dressed once again in Indian attire, the song is set near waterfalls and boats in the rainy season. Her simplicity in dress and in her dancing makes this song one of the most mesmerizing.
9. "Crazy Kiya Re"– Dhoom 2 (2006)
Dhoom 2 was the one and only film that Aishwarya’s sexiness was… well… a focal point. An actress who strives in looking traditional and well-rooted, Ash’s role as Sunehri gave the audiences a glimpse of her that has never been seen before… and won’t be seen again in a hurry. In ‘Crazy Kiye Re’, Aishwarya takes on a hugely western look.
10. "Salaam"– Umrao Jaan (2006)
Although a copy of the original of the same name starring the very elegant Rekha, this film created its own news because it co-starred Abhishek with Aishwarya. Salaam’ sees Aishwarya doing a typical tawaif dance to lure the male visitors. In comes Abhishek and the beauty’s dance seems to come alive. There really is no comparison in dance with the original with Rekha because the two have their own style and Aishwarya’s eyes say it all in ‘Salaam.'