But, there are times only a gori will do -- like, for example, a period piece set during the Raj that requires a memsahib.

Lately, a number of foreigners have been lured by the razzle dazzle of desi cinema. rediff.com lists some of them:

Rachel Shelley in Lagaan: Once Upon A Time In India

She played the cutie in Ashutosh Gowarikar's Oscar-nominated epic, who defies her brother and surreptitiously coaches Aamir Khan and Co in the game of cricket. Consequently, and predictably, Shelley is bowled over by Khan.

Post-Lagaan, the English actress now plays a lesbian, Helen Peabody, in the hit sitcom, The L Word. She is also featured in a romantic comedy, Gray Matters starring Tom Cavanagh and Heather Graham.

Text: Sukanya Verma

Also Read: Bollywood's hot item numbers up next!

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