Chitrangda Singh

When Shekhar Kapur caught Chitrangda Singh in Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, he straight up told her she’d outdone Smita Patil. Bold statement, right? But honestly, anyone who’s seen her in that film gets it. People can’t stop drawing those comparisons, and it’s easy to see why. Chitrangda’s got this intensity that just pulls you in—there’s something old-school and fresh about her at the same time. She didn’t start out chasing film roles, though. Modeling was her first gig before the movies came calling. After making a splash with Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, she kept the ball rolling with Kal: Yesterday and Tomorrow in 2005. Then, out of nowhere, she hit pause on her acting career following her marriage to golfer Jyoti Randhawa. Three years went by—kind of a lifetime in movie years—and then she bounced back in style, starring opposite Sanjay Suri in Sorry Bhai! in 2008. That comeback wasn’t a one-off. She’s since popped up in Sudhir Mishra’s Yeh Saali Zindagi (2011). Plus, you can’t flip through TV channels or magazines without seeing her face—she’s done big brand deals with Aliva, Parachute Advansed, and Garnier Age Lift. So, yeah, Chitrangda Singh is back in the game and not going anywhere soon. She’s got that staying power, and Bollywood’s definitely better for it.