Bipasha Basu

Bipasha Basu (born 7 January 1979) nicknamed "Bips" is an Indian actress who appears in Hindi language films. She has also worked in Telugu, Bengali and Tamil language films. She had a successful modeling career before venturing into films. 

She debuted in a negative role in Ajnabee (2001) which earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. Her first commercial success was Raaz (2002). She was then noticed for her bold role in the erotic thriller film, Jism (2003). She starred in top grossing films like – No Entry(2005), Phir Hera Pheri, Dhoom 2 (both 2006) – her biggest commercial success till date and Race (2008). Her performances in Apharan (2005), Corporate (2006) and Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008) won her much praise and multiple nominations for several awards. She then appeared in commercial successful films such as All the Best: Fun Begins (2009), Raaz 3 (2012) and also her roles being highly praised by film critics. Having done so, Bipasha Basu has established herself as a leading contemporary actress in Bollywood and is a household name. Known for her bold on-screen image and candid confession of her private life, she is frequently named in the media as a "hot symbol".

She has been nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress and the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress twice each along with one nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role. Roles apart, she is renowned for her item songs like "Phoonk De" in No Smoking (2007), and "Beedi" and "Namak Ishq Ka" in Omkara (2006) amongst others. Basu is slated to make her international film debut with the 2013 Australian film Singularity.

Basu was born to a Bengali family in Delhi, where she lived till the age of eight in Pampoosh Enclave, Nehru Place and studied at Apeejay High School. Her family then moved to Kolkata. Basu, who describes herself as a tomboy, was pampered as a kid and was very naughty. She was fondly called 'Lady Goonda' in her school as everyone was scared of her short and commanding personality. She has two sisters.

Basu was spotted by model Mehr Jessia Rampal at a hotel in Kolkata who suggested she take up modelling. In 1996, she won the Godrej Cinthol Supermodel Contest and the Ford Models Supermodel of the World contest. Basu was flown to New York by the Ford Company and began her successful modelling career at the age of 17. She then appeared in the Calida commercial with her then-boyfriend Dino Morea which was controversial for picturising them sultrily. She had some protesters outside her house after that. She has appeared on over 40 magazine covers.

Basu was in a relationship with her Raaz co-star Dino Morea since 1996 till they broke up in 2002. Soon afterwards during the filming of Jism, Basu began to date her co-star John Abraham (actor) they were in a relationship till early 2011 when the couple officially broke off. While together, the two were often referred to as a supercouple in the Indian media. It was later widely speculated through the media that Basu began a relationship with actor Shahid Kapoor, which was subsequently denied by both Basu and Kapoor. However, despite the objections, it was continued to be reported.

Basu has been in the limelight since her bold role in Jism. She ranked 8 in Times' 50 most desirable women in 2011, ranked 13 in 2012, and ranked 7 in 2013. UK magazine Eastern Eye named her the "Sexiest Woman in Asia" in 2005 and 2007.

Basu is an advocate of physical fitness. Apart from films, she released a fitness DVD called Love Yourself, which emphasised on being strong, healthy, and loving one’s self. She was also the brand ambassador of Sugar Free, which helped her promoting the DVD. Hiren Gada, director of Shemaroo Entertainment said, "A celebrity like Bipasha Basu, genuinely believes in staying healthy. She is also passionate about fitness." She had previously worked on another fitness video called Bollywood Bodies with John Abraham. She has always been fond of Pakistani singer Atif Aslam's voice.