With a thumping 4-0 victory over India in the Test series.

With a thumping 4-0 victory over India in the Test series that concluded in August 2011, England became the new No.1 Test team. And that too by displacing the existing No.1 team India. So now England are at the top of the longest and shortest version of the game (let's not forget that they are the defending champions of T-20 World Cup).

All this has not been sudden. It has been after a lot of ups and downs. More downs actually rather than ups. Not long ago, England was not performing well and was a highly inconsistent side. Also there was a period in 2007-2008 when captaincy was a major problem. Michael Vaughan, Andrew Flintoff, Paul Collingwood and Kevin Pietersen - all led England at some point of time. This resulted in England becoming a highly unstable side. From such a situation to becoming the number one Test team in the world would not have been possible without a turnaround.

The turnaround started in 2009. In January 2009 Andrew Strauss was appointed as the captain after Kevin Pietersen resigned from the captaincy. Although his appointment was received positively Strauss's captaincy career did not start on a positive note. He started his captaincy career by losing the test series against West Indies in West Indies. It looked like the change in captaincy did not change the fortunes of the English team. But somehow Andrew Strauss did manage to bring the team together and focus on a goal - the goal of winning the Ashes (of 2009). This focus made a player like Stuart Broad refuse a lucrative IPL contract. Although a few English players did appear in the 2009 IPL, it did not affect their preparation for the Ashes. It was evident in the discipline their players showed, especially the bowlers. English bowling has really lifted their team.

The victory of 2009 Ashes Series helped the English team scale a new height in world of cricket. Until that series England's performance was highly inconsistent in any form of the game. After the 2009 Ashes Series this team started to push for the top position in Test cricket.

What makes England's success in Test cricket special is that they hardly had any grand success in the recent past to take inspiration from. Barring the Ashes win of 2005 there was nothing they could boast of before or after that. And the joy of the 2005 triumph was nullified in the 2006-07 Ashes series Down Under. Highly stung by the defeat in 2005, Australia promptly put England in their place with a 5-0 whitewash in the 2006-07 Ashes series. Thus the magic and joy of the Ashes win for England was short-lived.

But that history did not repeat itself in 2010-11 Ashes Series. After winning the Ashes at home in 2009 England did not let the Ashes slip when they toured down under. Continuing their great run in Test cricket England humiliated Australia with a 3-1 win. With this win the English team really started staking their claim for the top position in Test cricket. It was nothing short of a miracle for a team, which was nowhere among the top teams a year and a half ago, to be on the verge of becoming the number one team. However England's success makes for an interesting analysis vis-à-vis India.

If we take a look at India, which was number one Test team for a period of almost two years, things were different. India's performance in the past decade was certainly more consistent than that of England's. It wasn't as if India won each and every series. But India started winning abroad more consistently than before. The process of becoming number one team had started much before. And because of that India had a good record in the recent past to take inspiration from. In a sense they had the support of their own history. This process started by Saurav Ganguly completed a full circle when the Indian team under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni became the number one team in the world.

England had no such luxury. Only miracle could have taken them to this position. And that miracle did happen in the form of captain Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower. Both of them deserve full credit for England's success. But there is one important factor that has changed the fortunes of this team. Former England captain Michael Atherton in his autobiography 'Opening Up' has written about the difference between the English and the Australian team. He cites 'pride' as the critical factor in Australia's success. He says that he always felt English players were low on pride when it came to playing for their country. He said one of the main reasons of England's failure was lack of pride and motivation while playing at the international level.

The current English team is certainly showing a different attitude. There is no lack of pride. There is no lack of spirit and there is a plenty of positive attitude. This is evident from the fact that they are playing aggressively especially while bowling. Strong bowling department has played the most crucial role in their rise to the number one position. Again this is something contrary to the Indian team. Batting and that too aggressive batting (since Virender Sehwag opens the innings!) was responsible to a great extent for India's success. Indian batting prowess has been successful in not just winning matches but also covering up a relatively weak bowling.

In England's case their batting has not been aggressive. But it has certainly been solid and gritty. Their batsmen are not bogged down easily. Also if we take a look at their batting record we can see that all of their batsmen are coming to the party. Their batsmen are playing with such a consistency which was absent for many years.

If we talk about their bowling, it has really grown from strength to strength. Their bowlers are aggressive, accurate and focused. Their fast bowlers have a great variety in terms of pace, bounce, swing and reverse swing. Add to that the rise of Graeme Swann, the off-spinner and their attack looks complete. For a country not known for its spinners, it is a matter of great pride that it has the number one spinner in the world at the moment.

Add to that their sharp fielding makes them a formidable side. With a well-balanced, consistent and strong side with an inspiring leadership, England are sure to remain at the top of the table for a while. Other teams surely need to put in lots of efforts to snatch the crown from England.

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Most Famous Actresses Over 50 In The World

In the following article, you will find a list of famous actresses over 50 years old. They are hot, sizzling, and giving no signs of backing down...
They are bold; they are beautiful; and they are over 50. I am talking about some of the most beautiful, breathtaking, and intelligent actresses that are over 50 years old. Their charisma and talent can still give box office hits. You might remember the bold and audacious Helen Mirren in the movie, Calendar Girls, who gave some nude scenes or the witty Jane Fonda in Monster-in-Law. There are several such famous women, especially in Hollywood, who even after crossing 50 years of age, are making bolder, better, and bigger movies than other, younger actresses. They have certainly proved that age doesn't necessarily mean a lot when it comes to delivering quality work and getting praised. So we thought of compiling a list of these actresses who have shown that age has no bar. In this article, we have tried to compile the list of actresses over 50. So let's not waste any time and get right to it.

List of Famous Actresses Over 50

Names Age Names Age
Alice Krige 57 Amy Sedaris 50
Andie MacDowell 53 Angela Bassett 53
Anjelica Huston 60 Ann-Margret 70
Anne Meara 82 Annette Bening 53
Annette O'Toole 59 Barbara Eden 77
Betty Buckley 64 Betty White 89
Bo Derek 54 Bonnie Hunt 50
Blythe Danner 68 Brooke Bundy 67
Carrie Fisher 55 Catherine Deneuve 68
Catherine Keener 52 Catherine O'Hara 57
Charlotte Rampling 65 Cher 65
Cloris Leachman 85 Daphne Maxwell Reid 63
Debbie Harry 66 Debbie Morgan 55
Debbie Reynolds 79 Diane Keaton 65
Diahann Carroll 76 Didi Conn 60
Dinah Manoff 53 Doris Roberts 81
Elizabeth Perkins 51 Ellen Barkin 57
Ellen Rona Barkin 57 Emma Thompson 52
Fanny Ardant 62 Geena Davis 55
Gena Rowlands 81 Glen Close 64
Goldie Hawn 66 Grace Jones 63
Helen Mirren 66 Holly Paige Hunter 53
Isabella Rossellini 59 Isabelle Adjani 56
Jaclyn Ellen Smith 64 Jacqueline Bisset 67
Jane Curtin 64 Jane Fonda 73
Jane Lynch 51 Jane Seymour 60
Janet Whitten 55 Jamie Lee Curtis 53
Jenifer Lewis 54 Jennifer Grey 51
Jennifer Saunders 53 Jennifer Tilly 53
Jessica Phyllis Lange 62 Joan Allen 55
Joan Jett 54 Joan Severance 53
Joanna Lumley 65 Judie Dench 76
Julia Louis-Dreyfus 50 Julianne Moore 51
Julie Christie 70 Julie Newmar 78
Karen Allen 60 Karen Black 72
Katey Sagal 57 Kathleen Turner 57
Kathy Bates 63 Kathy Griffin 51
Kim Basinger 57 Kim Cattrall 55
Lee Thompson 50 Lena Olin 56
Lily Tomlin 72 Lisa Zane 50
Liza Minnelli 65 Lorraine Bracco 57
Madonna 53 Mary Steenburgen 58
Melody Thomas Scott 55 Melanie Griffith 54
Meredith Baxter 64 Meryl Streep 62
Mia Farrow 66 Michelle Pfeiffer 53
Mindy Sterling 58 Nancy Sinatra 71
Olivia Newton-John 63 Oprah Winfrey 57
Pam Grier 62 Patricia Heaton 53
Phylicia Rashad 63 Raquel Welch 71
Rene Russo 57 Rita Wilson 55
Sally Field 65 Sela Ann Ward 55
Sharon Stone 53 Shannon Tweed 54
Shirley MacLaine 77 Sigourney Weaver 62
Sophia Loren 78 Sônia Braga 61
Stacy Steenburgen 57 Stockard Channing 67
Susan Essman 56 Susan Sarandon 65
Susan Somers 65 Tanya Roberts 56
Teri Garr 64 Tina Turner 72
Vanessa Redgrave 74 Vernee Watson-Johnson 57

* Age as of December, 2011

You may or may not have seen their Hollywood careers from the very beginning, it could be that you had the opportunity to grab some of their movies in the present year. These multi-talented and splendid actresses over 50 have sustained themselves even at this age. Their incredible work and knowledge of the industry has put them where they are today.

Every actress, unfortunately ages. But with age comes a better understanding of work; knowing the intricacies of a plot and molding a particular character in the movie that best fits with the storyline. As you may have witnessed yourself, many of these female Hollywood movie stars have perfected over the years, making their roles in movies that much memorable and credible.

These beautiful, talented, smart, intelligent, gorgeous, and let's not forget, famous actresses who are 50 or a little above it are very rare to find anywhere else. And with that small note, I guess we have reached the end of our article. If, by fluke, I left any names out, please do let us know by leaving a comment below.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/famous-actresses-over50.html

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Richest Actors List

The flamboyant lifestyle led by actors is a testimony to the fact that these individuals have toiled hard to earn the wealth they have amassed. The following will throw light on the ten richest actors
Fast cars, villas, gizmos and all the stuff one dreams of, they have it all! The money they make through movies allows them to live life in the lap of luxury. It is the versatility and adaptability of these actors that make them a director's actor. Given below is a list of the top 10 richest male actors of Hollywood.

Richest Actors of 2011

A few notable names are missing from the list, but, these are the folks whose hard work in 2011 has paid off, bringing them huge sums of money. New entries in list include Daniel Radcliffe and George Clooney, to name a few, both of who had a super successful 2011. The most notable actor missing from this list is, of course, Will Smith, who has not released anything in 2011, but has a few movies coming up in 2012 that is sure to bring him back in the list.

10. George Clooney
George Clooney, the superstar of the Oceans series, ranks at number 10 in this list. His 2009 'Up In The Air' was followed by another huge success in 2011, 'The Descendants'. With $18.9 million earned in 2011, George Clooney is still going strong and delivering hits to his multitude of fans.

9. Brad Pitt
Another star of the Oceans series, Brad Pitt comes in at number 9 on the richest actors in the world list. His 2011 superhit, 'Moneyball', has earned him an Academy Award Nomination for Best Actor. With $20 million earned in 2011, Brad Pitt is another actor that is enjoying success late in his career.

8. Tom Cruise
With huge expectations from the Mission Impossible superstar, Tom Cruise didn't do as well in 2011. His 2011 'Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol' did well, but not enough to catapult him to the top or of the list. However, with $22 million earned in 2011, Tom Cruise is placed at number 8.

7. Robert Downey Jr.
With successes such as 'Iron Man' and 'Sherlock Holmes' behind him, Robert Downey Jr. had a great 2011. The sequel to 'Sherlock Holmes' released in 2011, and did extremely well at the box office. With $22 million earned in 2011, Downey ranks 7th in this list.

6. Daniel Radcliffe
Daniel Radcliffe continues to make money over his portrayal of Harry Potter in the Harry Potter franchise. The 2nd installment of the last book of the Harry Potter series, 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2', released in 2011 to huge success. Radcliffe earned almost $25 million in 2011, and is 6th on the list of richest actors.

5. Leonardo DiCaprio
The Titanic star, Leonardo DiCaprio, is not yet on top of the world, but he soon will be. Hits like 'Shutter Island' and 'Inception' in 2010, and 'J Edgar' in 2011 have ensured that money keeps rolling in for this superstar. In 2011, DiCaprio earned $28 million, which placed him at number 5 in the list.

4. Adam Sandler
Comedian Adam Sandler's 'Just Go With It', 'Zookeeper', and 'Jack and Jill' ensured that his earnings didn't go down in 2011. With a reputed pay of almost 15 million per movie, Sandler is among the very top of the world's richest actors. His $40 million earns him the 4th spot.

3. Tom Hanks
The 'Da Vinci Code' hero had a brilliant 2011, during which he featured in 2 movies, both doing well at the box office. 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close', where Hanks plays Thomas Schell Jr., is nominated for the 2012 Oscars in the Best Picture category. With $45 million in earnings in 2011, Tom Hanks is at number 3.

2. Ben Stiller
Ben Stiller had a successful 2011, with 'Tower Heist' releasing and doing superbly at the box office. 'The Trip' and 'The Muppets' were other movies that contributed to his earnings in 2011. Stiller earned almost $53 million in 2011 which placed him one short of the leader in this list.

1. Johnny Depp
The Pirates of the Caribbean star tops the chart of richest actors, and by a huge margin as well. The fourth installment of the super successful Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides', released in 2011, firmly establishing Johnny Depp as the premier actor of the year. Depp earned a mind-boggling $75 million in 2011.

The income of these actors usually fluctuate over a period of time, depending on the movies they release and how well it does at the box office. The above-mentioned list compiles the recent figures of these actors which can change in accordance with their future projects. The money earned by these actors justifies the fact that hard work and dedication is rewarding.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/top-10richest-actors.html

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Most Famous Mexican Actors and Actresses List

Here's a look at some famous Mexican actors and actresses who have carved a niche for themselves in the world of cinema.
The Mexican culture reflects many elements that have become an identity of this diverse place. Today, Mexico boasts of some of the finest artists and famous actors and actresses who have made their mark globally. There are many directors and film actors who have showcased their talent in the world of cinema and here; we shall take a look at some famous Mexican actors and actresses who have enthralled large audiences till date. 

Salma Hayek:
Salma Hayek (September 2, 1966) is one of the famous Mexican actresses who have made a mark not only as an actor, but also as a director and film producer as well. This sultry actress has starred in more than thirty films and is also the first Mexican actress who has had a nomination for the Best Actress for the Oscars. Salma Hayek also finds a place for herself among the 3,000 celebrities for the 'sexiest celebrity' in Hollywood. Few people would know that Salma Hayek was also a gymnast who wanted to compete for the Olympics as well. She appeared in a film named Teresa at the age of 23. This changed her fortune, since Salma then became a star in Mexico. She landed a role opposite Antonio Banderas in Desperado in the year 1995. This was the time when Salma Hayek made a mark in Hollywood and created quite a stir. From there on, she was seen in From Dusk Till Dawn and Wild Wild West. From the year 2000 onwards, this Mexican actress produced film and television projects. She has also featured as the leading lady in many advertisement campaigns. 

Sara Garcia:
Sara Garcia (September 8, 1895- November 21, 1980) was one of the few legendary Mexican actresses who made a mark in the world of cinema. She was most famous for her portrayal of granny roles! She began her career in films at the age of 22. She underwent many screen tests till she was finally offered a contract. She also starred with many other leading Mexican actors in a series of films in Mexico. After a divorce, she continued playing roles that required her to perform as a mother to many actors and even went to the extent of having her teeth removed in order to land up with the role of a grandmother. This lady is also seen on the label of one of Mexico's traditional chocolates. Here, she has been titled as 'granny' on this Nestle owned product. 

Kuno Becker:
This irresistible actor (January 14, 1978) is a known face and one amongst the famous Mexican actors who has worked in Mexican and U.S. cinemas as well. When Kuno turned 17 years old, this was the time he decided he would pursue acting. With a passion for acting, this good looking Mexican actor soon auditioned with many other candidates and secured a place at the Centro de Educación Artística. He bagged his first role in a telenovela at the age of 19. He also starred in the La Primera Noche in 1997. In 2005, he appeared in the lead role for the film, Goal! From there on he appeared in two sequels connected with the same movie and bagged many other roles as well. 

Carlos Gallardo:
This famous Mexican actor was associated with television at a young age. When he was just 6 years of age, Carlos dreamt about being involved with television. He had his first taste of success with the film, El Mariachi. This went on to become a critically acclaimed film, which also won awards at prestigious film festivals. Carlos Gallardo also won the Independent Spirit Award for the Best First Feature. Carlos went ahead and co-produced other films as well. He also starred in Bandido, where he played the part of a producer. This Mexican actor was also seen in Planet Terror, in the year 2007. 

María Elena Velasco:
María Elena Velasco (December 17, 1940) is one of Mexico's talented actresses who made a mark as a film director as well. María Elena Velasco was also known as La India Maria and always preferred to keep her personal life away from the media. This Mexican actress is also known for the various social messages she often preferred to convey through all the movies directed by her. This talented Mexican actress received the Ariel Award in 2004 for the Best Adapted Screenplay for the firm Huapango. 

This list highlights a few of the talented Mexican actors and actresses that have made a mark in the world of cinema. Having paved the way for new talent as well, it goes without saying, there would be new names being added to this list with every passing year.

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African-American Actors List

It's not another ordinary actors list to scroll by, but an African-American actors list which earnestly makes you think about their presence. They've been amongst us for long now. Today, the world of Hollywood wouldn't be possible if they hadn't given their contribution to it!
Maximum number of movie flicks which have stormed the blockbusters have somewhere had African-American actors starring in it. May be they are lucky for the cinema, or may be just too popular to be there. Nah!! So why don't we just accept it. They are damn good at what they do and how they do it. On a personal note, there are times where I wonder, if this Afro-American actor didn't happen to star in this particular movie; then- who would likely justify the role? Honestly, many times, I never came up with a better answer. Probably, there is none to replace. That's because the charm, elegance and beauty that lies in these Afro-American actors is indisputable. They have created a hallmark in the world of cinema, movies and global audience. Grab a look at all these African-American actors list in this article to match your fave. Here are the mind-blowing, ever favorite ones under 25 and over 40 years.

This list of actors over the age of 40 is an amazing privilege I am receiving from my end despite sharing the same run of the modern young blood. These actors and actresses have smashed an impression in our minds invincibly. Enduring in the world of Hollywood with their breathtaking piece of work, sweat and fame for over 40 to 50 years, this aspect should be interpreted as an admiration and not sole achievement. 

African-American Actors (over 40)
Will Smith
Denzel Washington
Morgan Freeman
Laurence Fishburne
James Earl Jones
Danny Glover
Forest Whitaker
Samuel L. Jackson
Djimon Hounsou
Jamie Foxx
Sidney Poitier
Terrence Howard
Wesley Snipes
Eddie Murphy
Carl Weathers
Charles Dutton
Don Cheadle
Halle Berry
Cuba Gooding Jr.
Whoopi Goldberg
Oprah Winfrey
Queen Latifah
Harry Belafonte
Chris Rock
Isaiah Washington
(Late) Ossie Davis
Mike Epps
Ruby Dee
Ving Rhames
Hattie McDaniel
Avery Brooks
Bill Cosby
(Late) Lena Horne
Paul rRobeson
(Late) Bernie Mac
The next list below gives us the names of those actors, who are upcoming but famous though. On a journey of constructing their reputation in the cinema industry, these actors have had one or two great hits. But to reach a heavy hitters list, they will need a little more time to brace up. Stick your eyes on these famous Afro-American actors, they come with a blow too. 

Established African-American Actors
Omar Epps
Chris Scott Cherot
Gary Leroi Gray II
John Kennedy Horne
Larenz Tate
Michael Jai White
Mekhi Phiper
Clarence Gilliard
Taye Diggs
Richard T. Jones
Keenan Ivory Wayans
Billy Dee Williams
Robert Townsend
Damon Saleem
Leon
Ernie Hudson
Bokeem Woodbine
Tiny Lister
David Alan Grier
Michael Beach
Moving on from the above top actors to a list where a bunch of these Afro-American actors have popped up from different fields of entertainment world like, stand-up comedy, music, sports, etc, they have bagged the fame and popularity in no time. Take a look..

Others Who're Worth a Mention
Chris Tucker
Mike Tyson
Eddie Griffith
Jay Lamont
David Chapelle
James 'LL Cool J' Smith
Shaquille O'Neal
Christopher Williams
Sherman Hemsley
DMX
Levar Burton
Michael Dorn
Berney Mac
Oshea 'Ice Cube' Jackson
Fredro Star
Sinbad
Dr. Dre
Dennis Rodman
Tommy Davidson
Kadeem Hardison
In the field of Hollywood cinema and movies, with their piece of work and movies, all these Afro-American actors have earned a status of a celebrity, a role model, an icon and what not. For an ordinary man outside the world, they so don't revolve in, it gets highly amusing. Through hard work and perseverance for years and over, most African-Americans have so profoundly pressed his/her identity into the vicious circle of this racial and social discriminating world, to be long remembered. And how amazing it is to see that they indeed have made a niche for themselves amongst us, thus managing to reach a position where the need springs up to enlist them under one roof and within all of us.

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Most Impqrtant and Famous Actresses List

Can you imagine a Hollywood movie without an actress in it? I am sure it doesn't sound very exciting, as they make the movie more interesting and pleasant to watch. Take a look at the list of famous actresses put together just for you.
Who can forget Vivian Ward, played by Julia Roberts in the 1990 romantic flick, Pretty Woman. Most of you might remember the very famous dialog;

Edward: "Vivian, what is it you want? What do you see happening between us?"
Vivian: "I don't know. When I was a little girl, my mama used to lock me in the attic when I was bad, which was pretty often. And I would... I would pretend I was a princess, trapped in the tower by a wicked queen. And then suddenly, this knight, on a white horse, with these colors flying, would come charging up and draw his sword... and I would wave, and he would climb up the tower, and rescue me. But never in all the time... that I had this dream... did the knight say to me, Come on, baby, I'll put you up in a great condo."

Like Julia Roberts there are many other famous actresses who are well-known for their own unique styles and characters they portray in their movies.

Every Hollywood or regional movie has a lead female role, which is played by many well-known female celebrities. These characters then become a part of their identities as they do a remarkable work to be appreciated worldwide. Few such actresses are listed below in the list just for your information.

Famous Hollywood Actresses


✿Elizabeth Taylor✿Marilyn Monroe✿Judy Garland✿Julie Andrews✿Audrey Hepburn✿Diane Keaten✿Angelina Jolie✿Eva Mendes✿Megan Fox✿Jodie Foster✿Helen Hunt✿Halle Berry✿Salma Hayek✿Denise Richards✿Michelle Pfeiffer✿Uma Thurman✿Liv Tyler✿Sharon Stone✿Demi Moore✿Jennifer Aniston✿Charlize Theron✿Alyssa Milano✿Kim Cattrall✿Jennifer Lopez✿Sienna Miller✿Liz Hurley✿Amanda Peet✿Sandra Bullock✿Jennifer L. Hewitt✿Kirsten Dunst✿Renee Zellweger✿Catherine Z. Jones✿Marisa Tomei✿Michell Monaghan✿Alyson Hannigan✿Monica Bellucci✿Scarlett Johansson✿Rachel McAdams✿Jessica Alba✿Jessica Biel✿Zoe Saldana✿Naomi Watts✿Cate Blanchett✿Sarah M. Gellar✿Kate Winslet✿Cameron Diaz✿Drew Barrymore✿Meryl Streep✿Kate Hudson✿Susan Sarandon✿Keira Knightley✿Katie Holmes✿Natalie Portman✿Reese Witherspoon✿Nicole Kidman✿Eva Longoria✿Alicia Silverstone✿Kate Bosworth✿Meg Ryan✿Queen Latifah✿Jennifer Garner✿Carmen Electra✿Courtney Cox✿Lisa Kudrow

These women have earned their fame through hard work and their caliber. There are many Asian actresses who have earned similar reputation and fame as well. Take a look at a few actresses who have worked for Asian films, but, are a part of the global audience today.

Famous Asian Actresses


✿ Anna May Wong
✿ Michelle Yeoh
✿ Lucy Liu
✿ Maggie Q
✿ Tia Carrere
✿ Zhang Ziyi
✿ Gong Li
✿ Aishwarya Rai
✿ Freida Pinto
✿ Sandra Oh

All these super talented ladies have given their remarkable performances in every Hollywood movie in which they have acted. Their contribution towards world cinema is incomparable.

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