Bipasha Basu also known by her married name Bipasha Basu Singh Grover, is an Indian model and actress who appears primarily in Hindi language films. Basu is particularly known for her work in the thriller and horror film genres, and is cited in the media as a "sex symbol". Through her film career, she has become one of Bollywood's highest-paid actresses and one of the most popular and high-profil...Bipasha Basu also known by her married name Bipasha Basu Singh Grover, is an Indian model and actress who appears primarily in Hindi language films. Basu is particularly known for her work in the thriller and horror film genres, and is cited in the media as a "sex symbol". Through her film career, she has become one of Bollywood's highest-paid actresses and one of the most popular and high-profile celebrities in India.
After a successful career as a fashion model, Basu made her film debut with a supporting role in the thriller Ajnabee (2001), which won her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. Her first leading role was in the horror film Raaz (2002), which earned her a Filmfare Award for Best Actress nomination. She was noted for playing a seductress in the erotic thriller Jism (2003). She has starred in top-grossing films like No Entry (2005), Phir Hera Pheri (2006), Dhoom 2 (2006), her biggest commercial success to date, and Race (2008). Her performances in Apaharan (2005), Corporate (2006) and Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008) garnered critical praise. Other notable work include lead roles in the films All the Best: Fun Begins (2009) and Raaz 3 (2012). Basu has often been regarded as "Bollywood's Scream Queen", due to her contributions towards horror films in India.
Basu was born to a Bengali family in Delhi, where she lived till the age of eight in Pamposh Enclave, Nehru Place and studied at Apeejay High School. Her family then moved to Kolkata, where Basu was the head girl at Bhavan's Gangabux Kanoria Vidyamandir, located in Bidhannagar. Basu, who describes herself as a tomboy, was fondly called 'Lady Goonda' in her school as everyone was scared of her short and commanding personality. She has two sisters.
Basu was spotted by model Mehr Jesia Rampal at a hotel in Kolkata who suggested she take up modelling. In 1996, she won the Godrej Cinthol Supermodel Contest and the Ford Models Supermodel of the World contest. Basu was flown to New York by the Ford Company and began her successful modelling career at the age of 17. She then appeared in the Calida commercial with her then-boyfriend Dino Morea, which was controversial for picturing them sultrily. She had some protesters outside her house after that. She has appeared on over 40 magazine covers.
