Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, Lisa Haydon: The rise of the thigh-high slit gowns

Is Deepika Padukone shaping up to be the Angelina Jolie of India? She's got the action movie down pat, and now it's 'the leg'! Yes, the xXx actress has been seen in quite a few gorgeous gowns, flaunting her long, perfectly toned legs, and we're not complaining. Of course, the stance was basically made 'famous' by Jolie in an iconic black Versace gown at the 2012 Oscars (inspiring countless memes and even Twitter accounts), but 'the leg' was more of a point of ridicule, while the Padmavati actress' appearances have actually gotten her a lot more praise ('Bollywood blunders' don't count!). But, to be fair, this year has seen the rise of the thigh high slit, as Bollywood actresses go bold, while experimenting with rising hemlines and daring slits.

Here's a look at some of our Bollywood beauties who decided to shake a leg with panache in recent times.

Deepika Padukone and her thigh-high slits very rarely can they go wrong, and if it's a Ralph & Russo gown, then there's no way one can really go wrong. And this xXx didn't! The grey gown looked stunning, and so did its wearer. Padukone opted to complete the look with sleek centre-parted hair, and a pair of strappy metallic sandals. Perfect! (Source: Varinder Chawla)

Deepika Padukone cut a fine figure in that thigh-high slit trail skirt, in military green and olive hues, which she teamed up with an embellished bodice and matching bomber jacket. Going by the style trend on the EMAs red carpet, it's possible the said publication couldn't appreciate a dress that wasn't sheer. As designer Anju Modi said about her look, "they (international media) should understand the Indian sensibility. It is great that Deepika decided to wear an Indian designer”. (Source: AP,Reuters)

Deepika Padukone is a goddess when it comes to slaying it on international red carpets, and she definitely didn't disappoint at IIFA 2016 either. Looking stunning in red Prabal Gurung dress, paired with statement Outhouse Jewellery and Italian luxury sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti Design, Padukone really turned heads on Day 1 of IIFA 2016. (Source: Instagram)

Jamai Raja fame actress Nia Sharma made heads turn in her silver outfit at the Indian Television Awards in Mumbai this year. Designed by her most favoured designer Shahid Amir, the gown was one of the most bold ensembles to be worn that evening! (Source: Varinder Chawla)

There are very few times that Malaika Arora doesn't live up to her fashionista branding, and this was not one of those times. Looking sensual in this glittery sequinned gown by Monisha Jaising, Arora's soft cascading curls and strappy metallic sandals completed the look. If there was one thing that stood out as a sore point, that's the black choker. She should seriously have ditched that. (Source: Varinder Chawla)

Befikre actress Vaani Kapoor brought her A-game with a corseted ballgown in blue by Alexis Mabille at the launch of the film's trailer in Paris.With hair in an updo, all that was needed to complement the look was the iconic Bulgari serpentine wrapped around her hand. Honestly, she looked nothing short of stunning! What else can you expect when fashion designer Nikhil Thampi and celebrity stylist Mohit Rai take up the responsibility of getting you ready for your big night, right? (Source: Instagram)

Katrina Kaif became the talk of the town when she sent temperatures soaring in an ‘all cut-out and thigh-high slit’ black Philipp Plein dress, jewellery from Gehna and Anmol and a pair of Jimmy Choo's at IIFA 2016.

Also at IIFA 2016, Lisa Haydon dared to bare in a sheer black dress with a thigh-high slit, a very bold choice but she managed to carry it off charmingly with her hair pulled back in a neat, high ponytail. (Source: Varinder Chawla)

Bipasha Basu looked red hot in a red Gauri and Nainika gown. Full points to her! (Source: AP)

Raaz 3 actress Esha Gupta picked up a dangerously high-slit gown by Nikhil Thampi at IIFA 2016. Without an iota of doubt we can say that the dress suited Esha very well, but the slit which almost reached her waist, could have ruled against the actress. Nevertheless, Esha carried the outfit with grace. We like! (Photo: Varinder Chawla)

Sarah Jane Dias looked like a vision during this event at IIFA 2016 in this white off-shoulder Tanieya Khanuja dress, that sculpts her body, high slits and interesting self-embroidery work, especially around the neckline. (Source: Instagram)

Priyanka Chopra looked beautiful in an Atelier Versace backless blue column gown, baring a good amount of leg at the Billboards 2016 awards. The cerulean halter dress with a thigh-high slit was paired with Antonini earrings. She kept her make-up casual and simple, opting for nude sun-kissed look and a stylish, messy braid. (Source: AP)