Best star Wife In 2010

In a previous post I said Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is Bollywood's most bankable star in 2010. Any mention of ARB leads to heated debate - some of you couldn't agree more while others have nothing good to say about her.

Mediocre actor wearing a halo of hype is what most detractors have said in a nutshell. So this time around, I want to open up the conversation and include your opinion on who's on top on Bollywood. So expect a series of posts around the same and I'll try to cull some kind of majority opinion in the summary posts.

There's a great reason to begin the series with the star wife who has come out on top in 2010. A new star wife has joined the Bollywood brigade. Non-filmy, pretty Priyanka Alva takes her place as Vivek Oberoi's bride. Their wedding took place on October 29 in Bangalore and the reception was held on October 31 in Mumbai.

The first part of the year belongs to Gauri Khan. As co-producer of 'My Name is Khan', Gauri adroitly managed the media and fans when Shiv Sainiks threatened to go on a rampage against the film. She refused to accept that controversy made the film fly. Instead, she credited its success to Karan Johar. That was a smart move. Gauri's also appeared in a first TV ad with SRK this year. That's no biggie though. Her fashionista status is cast in stone.

The other Khan wife, Kiran Rao, debuted as a director this year after several years in Bollywood as a producer and assistant director. The usually reticent Kiran has kept Dhobi Ghat largely under wraps. There is none of the hoohaa which surrounds an Aamir Khan film. But then, it is a Kiran Rao film. I am hoping Dhobi Ghat makes us feel as good about seeing a film as Aamir Khan's films do.

My overwhelming image of Suzzanne Khan in 2010 is pale going on ghostly white. Really. She looks almost translucent and I really can't think of any other talking point for her this year.

Then there is Twinkle. She made models trip on the ramp by shining her twinkling phone at them. Not in real life though. I am sure they wouldn't want another case slapped on them. What else did she do in 2010? Paid attention to her superstar dad and got Akshay to do so as well. If you saw the ZeeTV Dhinchak Diwali you'll know what I mean. Will this begin a trend of PR involving sasurs? I don't know. But if Twinkle or Akshay is responsible for giving back Rajesh Khanna a dollop of lost self esteem and worth, it's worth it.

That largely rounds up the star wives of 2010, for me. In my book, Priyanka Alva Oberoi is likely to be a star. She has to contend with a lot of conjecture. But she looks like she can coast along just fine with eyes wide open.

So who did I miss out?