- A historical epic where Aishwarya played the role of Jodhaa, the wife of Mughal Emperor Akbar (played by Hrithik Roshan). Aishwarya received critical acclaim and won several awards for her portrayal.

In Bollywood, where morality is often black and white, the "mistress" is usually a vamp, a villain, or a tragedy waiting to happen. Rai, however, infused these marginalized women with a startling dignity, transforming the mistress from a plot device into the story’s emotional anchor.

The Setup: She is married to a boring, jealous man. She dances in the rain. The Moment: While not explicit, her dance in "Barso Re" is an act of rebellion. She, as the "good wife," is splashing in puddles like a free woman. The subtext is clear: her marriage is a prison; her real self belongs to another man. It is the happiest a mistress has ever looked on screen, making the tragedy deeper.