Which is why, when Ash was selected as jury member for the Cannes Film Festival 2003, considered the most prestigious film festival in the world, India went ecstatic.

Reams of newsprint were devoted to her presence at the festival, her clothes, her hairstyles, her makeup and her jewellery.

Her presence at the Bollywood night party -- held to familiarise the cinematic world at Cannes with the world's largest film industry -- was noted with much interest. Others at the event included filmmakers Subhash Ghai, Shekhar Kapur, Kaizad Gustad, Bobby Bedi and artistes Hema Malini, Shilpa Shetty, Vivek Oberoi and Preeya Kalidas (who stars in Sir Andrew Llyod Webber's successful West End production, Bombay Dreams).

At Cannes, Ash was seen talking to all the right people -- from Miramax chief Harvey Weinstein to director Steven Soderberg (Ocean's Eleven, Erin Brockovich, Traffic) to actress and co-jury member Meg Ryan (When Harry Met Sally, You've Got Mail, Addicted To Love).

The Cannes festival is also known for its glamour and Ash went prepared. Her Indian outfits were created by her regular designer, Neeta Lulla, and her Western wear was created by upcoming designer Vikram Phadnis.

And, like her films, her various avatars at Cannes came in for much comment as, back home, she was showered with both bouquets and brickbats.

We leave it to you to decide... and to choose Ash in your favourite avatar.

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