Bipasha Basu is an Indian actress who appears in Hindi language films. She has also worked in Telugu, Bengali and Tamil language films. She is a former model who had a successful modeling career before venturing into films.
She has established herself as a leading contemporary actress in Bollywood. Known for her bold on-screen image and candid confession of her private life, she is frequently named in the media as a "sex symbol".
Background
Basu was born to a Bengali family in Delhi, where she lived till the age of eight in Pampoosh Enclave, Nehru Place. Her family then moved to Kolkata. Basu, who describes herself as a tomboy, was pampered as a kid and was very naughty. In her school everyone was scared of her short and commanding personality. She is the second of three daughters to her parents.
Education
At school Bipasha wanted to study medicine and her dream was to be a doctor. But her repulsion towards dissecting animals, prompted her to move away from medicine to commerce.
She was enrolled in the Science faculty until 12th standard, but switched to Commerce thereafter. After acquiring a degree in Commerce she planned to be a Chartered Accountant.
Career
After winning the Famous Ford Supermodel Contest, Basu also was flown to New York by the Ford Company, where she had a successful modelling career at the age of 17.
Bipasha made her foray into Bollywood with “Ajnabee” in 2001, and subsequently acquired a place for herself in the tinsel world. She went to star in “Raaz”, “Jism”, “No Entry”, “Phir Herapheri”, “Corporate” and “Dhoom 2”. All of these movies did fairly well at the box office, and escalated her position as not only a leading lady, but one who can dare to bare. “Dhoom 2” also credits her as a playback singer.
She has also appeared in two music videos, and was one of the judges in the 2004 Femina Miss India beauty pageant.
Views
Bipasha firmly believes in the philosophy of "Love Yourself". This conviction has always held her in good stead, urging her to stay firm in her resolutions and pushing her to rise up to challenges.
She says: "Most of us merely exist; some of us choose to live. To the less discerning eye the two statements appear the same. But if you read between the lines you can see the difference. You could either let life dictate your path, your existence, your career or you could chart your own destiny – the way you want it to be! If you are confident in yourself, looking good is just an extra bonus. Stay true to yourself and love the person you are. If your personality, your appearance and your health are good, every aspect of your life will be fantastic".