Most actresses learn on the job. They graduate from film to film, and learn from co-stars and filmmakers. The stereotypical Bollywood routine involves starting with a few duds before one major blockbuster catapults them into stardom, after which -- provided they truly have talent -- there's no looking back.

Yet sometimes destiny and dedication collide with immense serendipity the very first time around. Sometimes, actresses start off in the best way imaginable.

Here, then, are then actresses who did it right from the start. Ten leading ladies who ruled -- right from the word go.

10. Chitrangda Singh - Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi

India collectively fell in love as soon as we saw the strikingly gorgeous Chitrangda Singh in Sudhir Mishra's tale of young ambition and realistically complicated relationships.

Revolutions are planned and friendships embittered, but Kay Kay Menon's Siddhartha and Shiney Ahuja's Vikram inevitably look longingly at Chitrangda's Geeta, a wonderfully written character, cerebral and stimulating yet essentially a conformist. A sensational debut.

Text: Raja Sen

Also Read: Watch out for Chitrangada!

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