The early 2000s solidified her control over mainstream popular media. While films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Taal showcased her acting range, it was Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas (2002) that turned her into a global IP.

Her Hollywood projects—such as Bride and Prejudice and The Pink Panther 2

Unlike many crossover attempts that fizzle out, Aishwarya Rai’s foray into Western popular media was strategically managed. Films like Bride & Prejudice (2004) and The Pink Panther (2006) may not have won Oscars, but they served a specific purpose: they introduced her as a meme-able, accessible figure to Western audiences.