Vidya Balan

In more recent times, few modern day actresses have received as much flak and adulation with every move she makes as Vidya Balan. If they're not hating on her for her 'traditional sartorial choices' and labeling her 'boring' they're lauding her bold choice in risque roles like her more recent Kahaani and The Dirty Picture, both of which received critical acclaim.

She's been slandered, adored and essentially seen all the ugly faces Bollywood disguises itself in in the few short years she's been around. She's more than held her own but we imagine, in the privacy of her own life, these trying times must have resulted in serious drama. Plus, this is one story in which an actress actually worked hard and pulled her way up to the top again.