The confident, poised Anushka Sharma has always seemed like a seasoned pro—which is likely why the venerable Yash Raj production house offered her a three-film contract before she’d ever even stepped in front of a camera. And she proved her employer right with assured performances that point to even greater promise. She had a dream debut alongside Shahrukh Khan in the 2008 blockbuster Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi—and unlike some debutantes, she was required to be more than just a pretty face. Hers was a role with substance—a female character as developed as, perhaps even more so than, the male lead—and she held her own opposite the likes of her co-star. Moderate successes followed—which showed off her versatility—including the crime caper Badmaash Company (2010) with Shahid Kapoor. By her third outing—Band Baaja Baaraat (2010)—she was carrying a film on her own, with newcomer Ranveer Singh making his debut opposite her. Her fourth film, Patiala House (2011), with Akshay Kumar, was a flop. Her latest movie is Ladies vs Ricky Bahl (2011) with her Band Baaja Baaraat co-star. She has been romantically linked to Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor.
