There was a time when international beauty pageant winners were welcome with open arms in Hindi cinema. The likes of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Dia Mirza and Lara Dutta walked straight from the ramp and into Bollywood. Each carved their own path in Hindi cinema. Some succeeded, some didn’t, but fans could not take their eyes off these beauties when they came on camera.
Dutta is not the most gifted actress, but her gorgeous screen presence cannot be ignored. Expectedly, her acting career took a backseat following her marriage to former India tennis player and current non-playing captain of the Indian Davis Cup team Mahesh Bhupathi. The mother of one manages to turn heads even today.
As Dutta turns 39 today (16 April), we take a look at few of her dance numbers where the dusky beauty queen raised temperatures.
1. Aisa Jadoo Daala Re — Khakee (2004)
This was a cliched item number with no great lyrics. However, Ram Sampat’s desi beats, Sunidhi Chauhan’s powerful voice and Dutta’s salacious dances moves were a treat to the voyeur's eyes. The song was quite a hit at desi clubs.
2. Chori Chori Chhora Chhori — Masti (2004)
The Masti franchise probably triggered the adult comedy era in Hindi cinema. The genre existed before, but it was deemed too unholy for A-list stars. Dutta & Co broke the myth with Masti. The prime plot of the all the three films remained the same — three desperate men, Meet (Vivek Oberoi), Prem (Aftab Shivdasani) and Amar (Riteish Deshmukh), eyeing one woman. Dutta was the eye candy in the first film. The music and lyrics here were simply redundant, but Oberoi became the envy of all Dutta fans.
3. Dil Mein Hulchul — Elaan (2005)
This John Abraham and Datta sensuous song is a reminder of this film which is probably forgotten by most viewers. It was a visual treat for the fans. Apologies to the singers KK and Sunidhi, as their voices got drowned out by the attractive visuals on display.
4. Tauba Tauba — Kaal (2005)
Moving away from cliched romantic dramas, Dutta became part of the spooky jungle thriller Kaal which was produced by Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar. Ajay Devgn played the antagonist (before Devgn and Johar became bitter foes). Dutta had better lyrics to groove too. The soft Hindi-Punjabi song didn’t leave much for her to do, nevertheless, she cut a better figure than Esha Deol.
5. You’re My Love — Partner (2007)
Govinda may be craving for Partner 2, but fans wouldn’t mind seeing Salman Khan and Dutta reignite their cool chemistry. They rocked with their cool, inimitable dance moves. Perhaps Salman’s carefree attitude rubbed on to Dutta. The lead pair Katrina Kaif and Govinda merely played second fiddle.
6. Aaj Dil Gustakh Hai — Blue (2009)
Sanjay Dutt got to romance Dutta in a beautifully shot song for Blue. It's hard to look beyond this song from the film.
7. 'Oh Girl, You’re Mine' — Housefull (2010)
The beach adventures took a competitive turn with Deepika Padukone giving Dutta a run for her money in this Housefull track. Two beautiful women on an exotic beach and some desi beats is enough to watch this song video. No wonder both this track, and Housefull sold like hot cakes.