I love Madhuri - think she is absolutely fantastic, graceful, poised, a complete world class star. Can't wait to see the new film. I also really appreciate Konkana Sen's talent. I certainly think the film industry in Bombay can hold new talent and there is definately room for fresh faces and interesting projects.

As the forms of media distribution grow (internet anyone!) the opportunities for filmmakers and actors will increase giving outsiders a way in.

Exciting times!!

Oooh, good questions. As for "seasoned, " well, there are people who have made a lot of movies, and there are people who have made a lot of movies and are also doing something good with their seasoning, so to speak. I am not particularly familiar with the body of work by people older than the Aamir/Shahrukh/Salman wave, so I'll have to leave them out. Of the ones I know, my money is on Saif Ali Khan, because he'll do interesting things (Being Cyrus, Omkara) and he'll do more standard things but do them in a very engaging, compelling way (Salaam Namaste, Hum Tum). I haven't seen Ta Ra Rum Pum, though :) So often I think his performances are riveting, even when he's playing unexceptional parts. When I try to recast the latter in my head, I can't - he brings something really special that other people just wouldn't. I can't put my finger on it, but he's got it. I'm also very impressed by Bachchan in everything I've seen him in. He's breezy or boiling at just the right times.

I really wish there was a female star I was equally excited about. Tabu, Rani Mukerji, and Konkana Sen Sharma are my favorites, hands down, and I don't think anyone else even comes close to them most of the time. Apart from those three, everyone else is almost interchangeable. Preity Zinta can be fun, but lately she doesn't seem to choose projects that give her anything interesting to do. I am increasingly disheartened by how many lackluster parts there seem to be for women; on the other hand, it's so invigorating to see an excellent movie like Dor with both srong parts and strong players.

As for Madhuri, I'm woefully unqualified to talk about her. I've seen only three of her movies.

Very good points. But I've noticed that you both have picked female ladies like Madhuri and Tabu, who have hardly been a factor in Indian Cinema for the past few years. However, they are making a comeback (Madhur returning in Aaja Nachle, and Tabu back with films like The Nameskae and Cheeni Kum).

This really is interesting because although there have been an unending introduction of new actresses - we still only remember the ladies of the 90s in Madhuri and Tabu who truly changed the way we perceive woman in Bollywood.

Bollywood is a very quick-paced industry.... and its fans tend to have very very very short-term memories. However, i'm sure many share the same views that we haven't witnessed talent like Madhuri and Tabu in a long long time, and their legacies live on.

And for those who were quick to put these two leading ladies in the history books ..... well, not yet....not yet...

Tabu and Konkana are my favorites. I'd compare them with Smitha Patil and Shabana Azmi.

As a new Bollywood convert, I haven't seen much with Tabu and Madhuri either... I really really liked Madhuri in Devdas and can't wait to see more of her films, including Aaga Nachle. I think it will be a hit because she seems to be a beloved actress amongst longtime Bollywood fans. I also enjoyed Tabu in Cheeni Kum, but I would like to see something from one of her more cherished performances. Does anybody have any recommendations for either of these actresses? I like Kajol a lot, but she really isn't new at all...and I think Rani Mukerjee is very talented.Priyanka Chopra and Vidya Balan have also caught my attention in several films. But like I said, not having experienced the Tabu and Madhuri peak, I can't really compare. As for actors, I may stand alone but I have to say that I think Ambishek Bachchan is one versitile actor. I hated Jhoom Barabar Jhoom but thought he had pretty good comedic timing and he gave me a few good laughs. But then in KANK he had me holding my breath in the tension scenes with Rani Mukerjee. You really felt for this guy, and I think his character had the most dimension than anyone else in the film. His silly role in Salaam Namaste was the complete opposite, and then in Dhoom 2 he was a serious,uptight cop. Every time I see him I have to remind myself that this is the same person from his prior films. I never had that feeling with any other actor(so far).I think I have to give him my vote for most promising!