Fortune’s face

Gautam Rajadhyaksha has been taking photographs of film celebrities since the early ’80s. And over the last 25 years, he has taken pictures of nearly every actress who has graced the silver screen from Durga Khote to Karisma Kapoor. But there are still many women from the golden era of cinema that Gautam wished he had been able to work with.

"I think Madhubala was not just a beauty but an icon for the 20th century. There are more books written on her than any other actress. That’s probably because she died before her time. Most icons have died prematurely. Take the example of Marilyn Monroe and James Dean." Out of the actresses that Gautam has worked with and captured in his book Faces he ranks Nutan among the most beautiful.

"She was a flawless beauty." Another woman who he thinks will be remembered long into the 21st century is Rekha. "I do not think any other woman will have a career in films as long as hers. She was India’s ultimate cover girl and has graced more covers than anyone else." Of thenew faces, Gautam feels that not many stand out. "Madhuri Dixit though deserves a special mention. She had talent and beauty. She knew how to project herself. Her career was almost scandal free."