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Special Series: Bollywood's sexiest 40-somethings

They could give their filmi successors a run for their money when it comes to looks or histrionics. In our special series, we look at heroines who still dazzle in their 40s.

Do also check out the pretty young things and their immediate seniors.

Tabu

Tabu, the thinking man's sex symbol, gave us memorable performances in various films including the poignant Maachis, the rustic Virasat, the dark Maqbool and the irreverant Cheeni Kum.

While the 40-year-old actress shined in each of these films, we wish we see her dazzling onscreen soon.

Madhuri Dixit

The Dhak Dhak girl is back in the limelight at 44, just being her usual gorgeous self, judging reality shows and splashing fashion magazine covers with her awesomeness.

While it's great to see her back in India, here's hoping she signs on more projects.

Kimi Katkar

One of the first models to venture into Bollywood, Kimi Katkar, who's 45 now, captured imaginations with her sensous role in the film Adventures of Tarzan back in the 1980s.

She went on to star in some other films too and dated Sanjay Dutt -- one of the hunkiest actors of her time. She may not be seen around much lately but her fans still remember her fondly.

That speaks volumes about her popularity back in the days.

Sridevi

One of the top actresses of her time, Sridevi was a great entertainer. Her performances as the disgruntled tenant in Mr India, the dreamy lover in Chandni and the outstanding double role in Chaalbaaz became hugely popular.

Now at 48, this South Indian stunner is as svelte as women half her age and is all set to star in her comeback film English Vinglish.

Neelam Kothari

The lovely Neelam Kothari may have slipped into the role of a socialite and a jewellery designer now but she made quite a splash in Bollywood as the fresh-faced actress who worked in films like Agneepath and Parampara.

Ever the stunner, Neelam is sizzling hot at 43 and married to actor Sameer Soni.

Manisha Koirala

Nepali beauty Manisha Koirala made her mark with her debut film Saudagar and then there was no looking back for her. Her repertoire of films include the Dil Se..., Agni Sakshi and the highly-controversial Ek Chhoti Si Love Story.

The actress is now 41-years-old and has moved on to filmmaking.

Jaya Prada

Remember Tohfa Tohfa Tohfa? The beautiful Jaya Prada famously pranced around a garden with Jeetendra is thrown in for good measure.

At 49, this stunner's interests gravitate more towards politics than films.

Juhi Chawla

Former Miss India Juhi Chawla stole our hearts with Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak and went on to star in a number of successful films like Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke and the relatively new film Jhankar Beats.

She's still seen in the occassional Onir film and the extremely funny commercial ads. At 43, this actress is at her comic best.

Meenakshi Sheshadri

The ever-graceful Meenakshi Sheshadri, now 47, holds the distinction of being the youngest woman to ever win a Miss India title. The actress left behind films like Damini and her debut film Hero before retreating into obscurity.

Sarika

It's hard to tell that National award-winning actress Sarika has a grown-up daughter who does leading roles in films!

The 49-year-old actress has lately taken to independent films and has done impressive projects like Manorama Six Feet Under, Parzania and Bheja Fry.