Aishwarya Rai Bachchan turns 49: Best films of the Ponniyin Selvan actor to watch on OTT

The beauty of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan never fades. We simply can't help but fall in love with her all over again every time she appears on the screen. In addition to her Bollywood blockbusters, Aishwarya Rai, delivered memorable performances in a number of Tamil and Bengali films, including Nandini in Mani Ratnam's latest historical drama, Ponniyin Selvan-1. On the occasion of her 49th birthday, we choose our favourite movies (in no specific order) featuring the diva.

Guru (Netflix)

Gurukant Desai, a villager who immigrated to Bombay in 1958, rose from the city's streets to become the GURU, the largest tycoon in Indian history. The Mani Ratnam-directed movie focuses on the hero's ascent and descent. Aishwarya Rai played Sujatha, Abhishek Bachchan's wife. Both viewers and critics were impressed by Guru, and AR Rahman's music tracks are still well-liked today.

Jodhaa Akbar (Netflix)

A sixteenth century love story about a marriage of alliance that gave birth to true love between a great Mughal emperor, Akbar, and a Rajput princess, Jodha. The film is directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. A title card at the start of the movie states, “This is simply one account of the historical events.” This biopic of Akbar ranks among the most beautiful historical films ever made and does a respectable job of portraying subcontinental politics in the sixteenth century. The love narrative, on the other hand, is wholly made up. If you keep it in mind, the movie does genuinely approach brilliance.

Devdas (Eros Now, YouTube)

Devdas Mukherjee's life spins out of control as he turns to booze and a life of sin to dull the pain after his affluent family forbids him from marrying the woman he loves. It is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and features Jackie Shroff, Kirron Kher, Smita Jaykar, and Vijayendra Ghatge in supporting parts alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit in the key roles.

Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (Eros Now, YouTube)

Nandini ought to choose between Sameer, the man who taught her to fall in love; and Vanraj, the man from whom she learnt how to abide and fulfil promises of love. The film is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Josh (YouTube)

Featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai, the film is directed by Mansoor Khan. Max, who shares a home in Goa with his twin sister Shirley, is furious to learn that she is dating Rahul, his bitter rival Prakash's younger brother.

Taal (Zee5)

The film is directed by Subhash Ghai. Businessman Manav falls head over heels in love with promising singer Mansi, but their relationship confronts obstacles when Manav is forced to leave and Mansi's dapper manager comes in.

Khakee (YouTube)

An suspected terrorist is escorted by police from Chandangarh to Mumbai. However, when an ex-cop tries to stop them from reaching Mumbai, their journey becomes a battle for survival. Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Tusshar Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Ajay Devgn are among the ensemble cast in this Rajkumar Santoshi-directorial.

Mohabbatein (Amazon Prime Video)

Featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai and Uday Chopra, it is directed by Aditya Chopra. A movie about the conflict between love and fear, between two stubborn men and their diametrically opposed worldviews, and how three different couples' love stories turned out.

Sarbjit (Amazon Prime Video)

A farmer from Bhikhiwind, Punjab, who lived close to the Indo-Pak border in the biopic Sarabjit Singh crossed the border after having a few beers. He was, however, wrongly accused of being an Indian spy and received the death penalty. Starring Randeep Hooda, Aishwarya Rai, Richa Chadda, and Darshan Kumar, the movie is directed by Omung Kumar.

Provoked (Zee5, Eros Now)

It is based on the true account of Punjabi woman Kiranjit Ahluwalia, who endured 10 years of violence at the hands of her husband. Aishwarya Rai, Naveen Andrews, Miranda Richardson, Robbie Coltrane, Nandita Das, and Steve McFadden are among the cast members under Jag Mundhra's direction. AR Rahman scored the music.

Dhoom 2 (Amazon Prime Video, YouTube)

Mr A, a fearless thief, steals valuable artefacts and teams up with the girl he is attracted to but who cannot be trusted. Close on their heels are three police officers trying to apprehend them. Directed by Sanjay Gadhvi, the film stars Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Bipasha Basu and Uday Chopra.

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (Viu, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video)

This story explores love in all its forms and how it changes us. Alizeh and Ayan, two protagonists, travel together through life, love, and suffering. Anushka Sharma, Aishwarya Rai, and Ranbir Kapoor are among the actors who appear in the Karan Johar-directed movie.

Guzaarish (Netflix)

A commotion is caused when Ethan, a magician who was paralysed in an accident, petitions the court to end his life. Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan star in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film, which also has Shernaz Patel, Aditya Roy Kapur, Monikangana Dutta, Suhel Seth, Swara Bhaskar, and Makrand Deshpande in significant roles.

Raincoat (Hoichoi)

The Rituparno Ghosh-directed film, which stars Ajay Devgn and Aishwarya Rai, depicts the tale of two lovers who are split up by fate but eventually reunite. It is an adaptation of Manoj Basu’s short story, Protihingsha. Aishwarya Rai was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress, while Raincoat won the National Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.