Nayantara, the phoenix

She came as a voluptuous nymph, she became the temptress of all she touched. She rose to heights where there was place for only one star... until she allowed a delicious, tumultuous relationship topple her career like a row of dominoes. Was it recklessness? was it true love? why did it end? and of course, the biggest question for a career woman - does her comeback begin at the top of the ladder or much lower? with absolute calm she says, “i never really went away, to come back, did i?” enter Nayantara, the same as ever and yet a different person... Here we take a look at five important year in the actress' career.

2005 - Tamil cinema lured this lovely Mallu-gal, when she was shyly hidden under the pleats and fabric of saris and dhavanis!

2007 - By Sivaji and Billa, she went from a homebody to a trendy diva!

2009 - Soon enough Nayantara upped the glam quotient and had the mercury rising like never before! However, she belongs to that rare breed of actresses: ones that are gorgeous to look at and also possess acting skill!

2010 - Controversy shook her equilibrium. But she was quick to regain poise after that nasty break-up, and we admire the dignity with which she carried on...

2011 - Nayan almost quit acting. But now she’s back, and with a vengeance! We just can’t wait to see what she has in store...