Bipasha Basu in Jism

She is the antithesis of the abla naari (helpless woman) of Hindi films. Bipasha Basu, the central character of Jism, is a no-holds-barred villainess -- glacial and unflappable. Ice blonde Barbara Stanwyck in Double Indemnity and Deepa Sahi in Aar Paar may have already trodden on the same path, but Bipasha Basu adds a certain zing to her interpretation of the femme most fatale.

A predatory she-wolf in sheep's clothing, Bipasha intrigues footloose lawyer John Abraham after he first sees her emerging from the sea. Nights of sensual revelry leave him in a daze. She recognises that her body has helped her and she has no qualms using it to move up in life.

Bipasha finally gets John to murder her wealthy husband Gulshan Grover. What is remarkable about this female character is that little does John know that she is stringing him along too. It is Gulshan's money that Bipasha wants most of all.

Unapologetic, and with no lengthy flashback justifying her actions, Bipasha is one of Hindi cinema's boldest heroines. Only after she has fatally shot John does she eventually awaken to the call of love. Only, it is too late.

In the picture: Bipasha Basu in Jism

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