Beautiful Women of the Century

So, what’s the verdict? According to 20,000 London-based women, Hollywood icon Audrey Hepburn is the most beautiful woman of the past century. Following her in the list is Girl’s Aloud pop star Cheryl Cole in second place, and Marilyn Monroe and Angelina Jolie in the third and fourth places respectively.

Now, while the Breakfast at Tiffany’s star is no doubt a classic beauty, most beautiful of the century? Nah, I don’t think so.

Firstly, I don’t get how Princess Diana (who would have turned 49 yesterday!) got 8th spot. Or how Jacqueline Kennedy didn’t make the top 10 cut. But then again, that’s my take. So, with a little help from my esteemed colleagues at Yahoo!, here’s my list of the top 10 beauties of the past 10 decades. Okay, a disclaimer now, this is not a who-is-on-top-and-who-is-number-10. If you want to rate them, go ahead. Rate these beauties on a scale of one to 10. Use the poll option at the end.

Madhuri Dixit Nene

The woman with a 1000-watt smile is what Madhuri is fondly called. Bollywood’s sweetheart after Hema Malini’s time, Madhuri won hearts of all ages with her killer smile and chirpy character and amazing dancing skills. No other Bollywood star has made such an impact; after all, who else has a movie named after her – Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Aww, now here one’s a true classic. Wife of American President John F Kennedy, Jackie, as she was fondly called, was the first to bring about style to politics.

Rajmata Gayatri Devi

… and it gets better. Royalty in its truest form, the Rajmata of Jaipur was celebrated for her beauty and her fashion sensibilities. With a queen so radiant, who wouldn’t want to be ruled by her?

Diana, Princess of Wales

I have looked up to her and admired everything about since the time I saw her for the first time. Her honesty, generosity and tragic life have been the target point for many. Don’t miss my tribute to the people’s princess, on her birthday.

Aishwarya Rai

A true Miss World, Ash has presented India to the rest of the world in a way no one else could have. With international status to her credit, it is evident Mrs Bachchan Jr has a long way to go yet.

Monica Bellucci

Someone please tell me which other 46-year-old actress would agree to grace the cover of a prestigious magazine, WITHOUT make-up. Well, Italian beauty Monica Bellucci is so confident of her flawless beauty, that she agreed pose for the cover of the French Elle magazine sans make-up.

Suchitra Sen

This Bengali actress (who later starred in Hindi cinema as well) was known for her soulful eyes and beautiful almond skin. Suchitra was an elusive beauty; so private that she refused the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for lifetime achievement, just so she can stay out of the public eye. Her beauty is now carried over to her granddaughter Raima Sen, who looks like a spitting image of her.

Recently, she was hospitalised on account of ill-health. Read my colleague Priyadarshini’s take on The ever-elusive Suchitra Sen.

Marilyn Monroe

There are a few “most beautiful” lists in which Marilyn Monroe does not make the top 10, and I don’t intend to make mine of them. A true beauty, her sexiness and sassy character took it to the next level.

Gosh, who should I nominate for the two other remaining spots? I can think of so so many. Madhubala, Audrey Hepburn herself, Naomi Campbell, Halle Berry, Kate Winslet, our very own Helen, Waheeda Rehman, Hema Malini, Angelina Jolie. (Phew!) Who do you think should take the two spots? Let me know.