The ace photographer on the ten most important women stars in Indian films

Durga Khote: She hailed from a cultured, affluent brahmin family. Her debut in 1931 opened the doors for other girls from respectable families to enter the taboo world of Indian cinema. Durgabai also gave theatre a big boost and was a pioneer in ad films.

Devika Rani: A distinguished family background, a great beauty and a producer-partner in the legendary Bombay Talkies. Talk of women entrepreneurs.

Nutan: Exquisite beauty, outstanding actress. Her films like Seema, Sone Ki Chidiya, Sujata and Bandini won several film festival awards around the world. The world took notice of Indian films and talent.

Madhubala: Underrated actress, legendary beauty and a natural comedienne. Her untimely death has added to her aura. She gave India an icon to love and serve as a benchmark for future beauties.

Hema Malini: Dignified, glorious, improves with age like vintage wine. Modest talent, but a face and image of the ideal Indian woman every man would like to take home to. Subhash Ghai put it best, "For 15 years, the whole of India went to the theatres just to see Hema -- her smile, her warmth or just her." Truly, a dream lady.

Shabana Azmi: Shabana liberated Indian cinema from mere escapist entertainment fare. She depicted that the Indian woman had a mind whether she was an untouchable or a deserted wife of a film director. She is a movement, an activist ready for experiments and not afraid of them.

Rekha: India's ultimate Cover Girl and longest lasting star. Magical metamorphosis in her 33 year career. Gave Indian stardom international glamour. Magnificent actress and star with that Garboesque mystique that keeps her fans guessing and swooning.

Madhuri Dixit: A great face, graceful, acting prowess and dancer. A consistent 10 year period at the top in an era when faces change every week. Ideal muse for directors, choreographers, photographers and even painters! A modern icon.

Kajol: Eccentric, shy, no great beauty or glamour -- but what an actress. At last a mainstream cinema actress from India can stand up to any international talent. Kajol's performances are spontaneous, natural, unforced, and contemporary. Unwittingly, she has set a new standard and a new school.

Lata, Asha: Faces fade, but voices don't. Certainly not of these sensational siblings whose golden throats have had a joint career of over 110 years and 25,000 songs. Asha -- the vivacious, versatile songstress -- is the singer of the century. Together they have acted far better than the stars who have lip synced to their voices. That's why the stars have faded but neither has, Ayega Aane Wala nor Raat Akeli Hai.

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