bollywood-s-most-beautiful-women

On International Women's Day, here's a look at India's enduring beauties - powerhouses of talent who have mesmerised India and the world- over decades. 

When Suchitra Sen was hospitalised for chest infection and breathlessness, an anxious nation followed every medical bulletin issued by her doctors. She returned home but remained as unapproachable as ever.

Suchitra Sen: Suchitra Sen was easily the most popular actress that Bengali cinema has ever seen. Her ethereal beauty coupled with her phenomenon screen presence and immense box office popularity, particularly her on-screen pairing with the late Uttam Kumar, gave her a legendary cult status in Bengal.
Here's a look at the everlasting beauties who have graced the silver screen in India.

Madhubala: Madhubala's enigmatic screen presence and beauty still manages to seduce men. She was one of the most sought after actresses of her time.

Meena Kumari: Tragedy queen Meena Kumari was one of the most beloved actresses of all times in Bollywood cinema and she continues to live deep into the hearts of people even today. Her beauty, her acting skills, her voice - mesmerised her fans.

Helen: The cabaret queen of Bollywood Helen was known for playing vamps and raunchy item numbers. During the 50s, filmmakers made it a point to cast Helen in their movies to ensure that their movies did well a the box office.

Waheeda Rehman: Waheeda Rehman was one of the most prominent actresses of her time. Her beautiful looks mesmerised everyone including Guru Dutt. A classic beauty, Waheeda Rehman has also won accolades for her acting skills.

Vyjayantimala: Vyjayanthimala was the first South Indian actress who made it as a national star and was one of the biggest ever Hindi film female stars in a career lasting almost two decades

Mumtaz: Despite her bulky figure actress Mumtaz was loved by all during her heydays. A great dancer, Mumtaz was also appreciated for her beautiful looks and acting skills.

Sharmila Tagore: Sharmila Tagore established herself as a popular Hindi film actress with Shakti Samanta'sKashmir Ki Kali in 1964. In 1967, Sharmila sported a bikini in the movie An Evening in Paris (1967), she was one of the few Indian actresses to do so. This not only shocked conservative Indian audiences but also set a trend. Wearing a bikini put her name in the Indian press as one of Bollywood's ten hottest actresses of all time.