It is that time of the year everyone readies themselves for a bit of soul searching ( if ever there is one, that is) and make seemingly steadfast resolutions to better themselves for the coming year. And when it comes to the Business of Bollywood, the overall performances of the products released in 2009 leaves a lot to be desired. And as far as the fairer and the prettier counterparts that drive box-office results in Bollywood, the old order seems to have quite prophetically given in to new, and there is a new star that is giving her peers the jeebies and her producers the big smile. More on that as we sift through our top 5 picks here at Bollywood Blogs.

5. Konkona Sen Sharma.

She has deftly moved from the "critical praise" phase to the "critical praise and commercial success" phase since her Mr. and Mrs.Iyer in 2002. And she always seems to find that right balance between 'parallel/ arthouse/alternative' productions and the commercial mainstream ones, having gone about quietly cultivating that level of acceptance in both patronizing communities. Both her mainstream releases, Luck By Chance and Wake Up Sid has propelled her into the league of bankable female leads who could be counted on for their projects.

4.Rani Mukerji.

For someone who has been on the top slot of Filmfare's 'Top Ten Bollywood Actresses' list for two years in a row (2004-2005), and No.5 at the "Ten Most Powerful Names of Bollywood" by Filmfare Magazine in 2007, 2009 seems to be a horrible dream. As Shobha De put it across very succinctly last week, she seems to be like Mumbai who desperately wants to reinvent herself, but have no idea into what! Dil Bole Hadippa, a movie constructed around her, was blown to kingdom come by the public. Maybe, her best is yet to come.

3. Kareena Kapoor.

The Queen of 'Zero' seems to be adding just that to her professional remuneration since 2008. Of the 3 releases Kambakkht Ishq, Main Aur Mrs.Khanna and Kurbaan till now, only Kambakkht Ishq enlived the box-office.3 Idiots, the big ticket release and her last in 2009 holds promise, may redeem her and propel her back to Diva.No 1 status. We hope too.

2. Priyanka Chopra.

Maybe its a tall order to replicate 2008, but 2009 could be counted on for the sheer number of roles Piggy Chops handled if you could just run them through. But What's Your Raashee failed to find its lucky run at the box-office. But Kaminey was good enough to keep the ship on course, but on cruise control.


1.Katrina Kaif.

This Kat rules Bollywood. From 2007, she has consistently powered box-office blockbusters just looking pretty and jiving to the chart busters. Katrina kaif is a phenomenon in Indian Cinema, whether you like it or not. And she has proved that she can set the collections on fire by just looking pretty with the latest Azab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani. NewYork , APKGK and now De dena Dan has reaffirmed her as the most sought after ingredient for any commercial production in Bollywood as of 2009. The reason is simple. She brings in the crowd, and the money. As far as the story goes, who cares for anything else?

Coming next Week: The Top 5 Male Actors of Bollywood.