While newer, these films are essential for understanding her versatility before she took an extended hiatus.

| Film (Year) | Role | Why It’s a Classic | |-------------|------|---------------------| | (1994) | Mona / Basanti | Early breakthrough; action-comedy with Akshay Kumar. Defined her as a glamorous, feisty presence. | | Dhadkan (2000) | Anjali | Her most critically acclaimed performance. Love triangle drama; iconic song Dil Ne Yeh Kaha Hain Dil Se . | | Baazigar – A Duplicate (1998) (aka Duplicate ) | Lily | Comedy-caper; paired with Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla. Showcased comic timing. | | Rishtey (2002) | Kajal | Family drama where she played a village belle; won her the Zee Cine Award for Best Actress . | | Phir Milenge (2004) | Tamanna Sahni | Groundbreaking role as an HIV-positive woman. Socially conscious classic; co-starring Salman Khan and Abhishek Bachchan. |