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Karisma Kapoor is out with a book.
Manisha Koirala is dazzling the ramp.
Raveena Tandon and Urmila Matondkar are working on a comeback.
Kajol is busy with her endorsements while Pooja Bhatt is enjoying her life behind the scenes.
When these women began their career in Bollywood, most of them were in there teens. What’s incredible is how every single one of their batch went on to achieve individual glory as actor, star or sex symbol.
From working with the best of banners, opposite all the coveted Khans to blazing the screen with their super hit songs and dance, the 1990s divas have done it all.
Got a favourite? Go ahead and vote for the Bollywood 90s showgirl you MISS the MOST!
Sonali Bendre
Everyone’s favourite pin-up of the 1990s, Sonali Bendre’s slender frame and delicate charm won fans effortlessly.
The star of hits like Diljale, Bhai, Sarfarosh, Major Saab gave it all up to settle in marital bliss with filmmaker Goldie Behl and motherhood (the two have a son, Ranveer).
Sonali resurfaced as the glamorous judge of reality shows like Indian Idol, India’s Got Talent and India’s Best Dramebaaz.
Recently, she met with a warm reception for her brief appearance as Akshay Kumar’s confidante in Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Dobaara.
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Bollywood’s bindaas bombshell raised several eyebrows with her defiant ways and topless magazine covers only to embrace a life of obscurity.
Mamta Kulkarni made an impact through her sexy overtures in films like Karan Arjun, Krantiveer, Sabse Bada Khiladi and Ghatak before taking to the path of spirituality.
From a doe-eyed child star to Rangeela’s smouldering Mili, Urmila Matondkar’s transformation is nothing short of extraordinary.
She may have flexed her dramatic chops in author-backed roles such as Kaun, Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya, Bhoot, Ek Haseena Thi, Pinjar and the upcoming Marathi production, Ajoba but Urmila’s oomph remains her greatest achievement.
Fondly known as the 'Mast Mast' girl of Bollywood, Raveena Tandon made her debut opposite Salman Khan in Patthar Ke Phool. The film fizzled but her distinct fashion and charisma impressed the viewers.
Though it was a while before the nasty ‘jinx’ tag got off her and she delivered hits like Mohra, Dilwale and Laadla in quick succession. Tandon, subsequently, graduated to do women-centric parts in dramas like Daman and Satta.
Mother of two, entrepreneur, television personality and actress back in front of the arc-lights (with Anurag Kashyap’s Bombay Velvet), the 39-year-old has done rather well for herself.
The blue-eyed Kapoor scion lived up to her legacy as one of the reigning stars of the 1990s.
Karisma Kapoor’s debut Prem Qaidi wasn’t exactly a dream launch but its success proved she’s here to stay. Box office favoured her in Govinda vehicles even as she slowly emerged into her own from a gawky newcomer to elegant star in films like Raja Hindustani, Dil To Pagal Hai and Zubeidaa.
Even though Dangerous Ishq, her comeback movie post marriage and two kids met with a disappointing response, Lolo continues to sparkle the ramp and red carpet time and again.
Before she turned producer and director of erotic thrillers like Paap and Jism 2, Pooja Bhatt’s endearing cuteness made her darling of the media and masses.
While her baby-faced presence infused life in father Mahesh Bhatt’s productions like Daddy, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, Sadak and Sir, her spicy quotes made headlines in glossies.
The 41-year-old is far too happy calling the shots behind the camera or watching her half sister, Alia enjoy the limelight to dwell over her days as the ‘It’ girl any more.
One of the greatest actresses of her generation, Kajol filled up the void left by Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi with her powerhouse performances and blockbuster successes.
Having starred in the most iconic films of the 1990s -- Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai -- gave Tanuja’s daughter an edge no one could compete with.
Yet Kajol’s adventurous approach ensured she doesn’t get stuck in the Simran/Anjali rut with films like Dushman and Gupt, which showcased unique aspects of her persona.
Marriage to co-star Ajay Devgn, two kids (Nysa, Yug) didn’t affect her popularity either what with Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, My Name is Khan and Fanaa doing well.
Though busy with numerous endorsements and social commitments, the screen is aching to witness some Kajol mania again.
Many claim that they joined the film industry to become an actress and not a star but Tabu is its most successful example.
Having done her share of Ruk Ruks for Vijaypath, Tabu’s true potential came across in deft deliveries of Virasat, Maachis, Thakshak, Maqbool, Filhaal, Chandni Bar, Astitva and Cheeni Kum.
Not to mention international assignments like The Namesake and Life of Pi and regional features like Kalapani, Kadhal Desam, Iruvar and Kandukondain Kandukondain.
At the same, Tabu fared well in comedies like Biwi No 1, Saajan Chale Sasural, Here Pheri and Chachi 420.
If only this National award-actress was a tad more prolific.
The dainty Manisha Koirala first made everyone sit up and take notice as the shy Rajjo of Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s vintage romance, 1942: A Love Story.
Her vulnerable work in Mani Ratnam’s Bombay, Mansoor Khan’s Akele Hum Akele Tum, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Khamoshi and Mani Ratnam’s Dil Se.. lend her resume enviable depth.
After a low-profile spell and triumphant battle against cancer, the Nepali beauty is back with renewed enthusiasm and poise.
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