From model to motherhood - Aishwarya's fairytale journey

For would-be mommy Aishwarya Rai, it was a fairy tale journey into the world of glamour after winning the Miss World title in 1994. And now the internationally acclaimed actress is all set to enjoy motherhood.

Ash first became a rage when she teamed up with Aamir Khan and Mahima Chaudhary in a coke ad in 1993. As soon as it hit the screens, Ash became a star and the next year she participated in the Miss India contest and won the first runner-up title.

Perfect ten: From model to actor to daughter-in-law, Ash has played her role to perfection (Photo: IANS)

She treaded an extraordinary journey in the world of glitz and glamour - from becoming brand ambassador to international brands like Loreal and Longines, she featured in People magazine's list of most beautiful people in 2006 and also found a place in Time magazine's World's 100 Most Influential People list in 2004 and 2010.

Meanwhile, she shone on the international firmament with films like "Bride and Prejudice" and "Pink Panther 2" and by becoming a regular at the Cannes red carpet.

Delhi-based fashion designer Kunal Kapoor calls Aishwarya a perfect mix of desi and western looks.

"Aishwarya is one style icon who maintained her charisma from her modelling to films and she is still going strong. She has got an amazing mix of desi and western looks which makes her one of the most beautiful women of the world," says Kapoor.

Bollywood filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who perhaps gave her the best role in "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam", not only describes her as a beautiful girl but says "she has a beautiful mind too, a sharp mind and a thinking mind that questions and answers.”

Her cinematic journey started with director Mani Ratnam's 1997 Tamil hit movie ‘Iruvar’. In the same year she was introduced to Bollywood by Rahul Rawail with his directorial venture ‘Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya’. In her more than a decade-long career she came out with hits like ‘Devdas’, ‘Dhoom 2’, ‘Guru’ and ‘Jodhaa Akbar’.

In 2007, when she was the reigning star, Ash announced her engagement to co-star Abhishek Bachchan. On April 20 the same year they tied the knot amidst a lot of media frenzy. After playing a perfect daughter-in-law, Ash is now in the family way. - IANS