Choosing a special star amidst the starlets on the big screen is not the easiest of jobs. With performances that could arguably be the best in their careers, actresses will lock horns with each other as they compete for the best actress award. Who will win?

RANI MUKHERJEE (HUM TUM): This was a year that Rani Mukherjee will not forget in a hurry. Two power packed performances in Yuva and Hum Tum, following that up with a stellar act in Black. Her portrayal of a girl in Hum Tum, who matures as the film progresses, is a performance that will be remembered by many as one of her finest.

MALLIKA SHERAWAT (MURDER): She personifies what we understand by 'bold and the beautiful.' She is the girl who has redefined oomph on the big screen, through her portrayal of the frustrated housewife in Murder. She exudes a sensuality and charisma that has taken the Indian screen sexuality into censored territory.

PREITY ZINTA (VEER-ZAARA): The expression of the pain of lost love and the grandeur in loving its memory is what best describes Preity Zinta's performance in Veer
Zaara. A restrained effort, Preity's performance in this film marks a beginning of her career as a mature artiste.

KAREENA KAPOOR (DEV): This is a landmark film in her career, as Kareena has not used make-up. The lass looks different in this movie. In this film bother her looks and her acting talent were appreciated a lot. Her pairing against Fardeen Khan was later repeated in Fida.

URMILA MATONDKAR (EK HASINA THI): Urmila has given yet another fabulous performance after Pyar Tune Kya Kiya and Bhoot. With this film Urmila crosses another milestone in her life. Looks like Urmila-Ram magic really works?

SHILPA SHETTY (PHIR MILENGE): Started her career on a low note and did films with Govinda. Although she was noticed in a few films like Dhadkan, her performance in Phir Milenge is arguably the best of her career. This film marked her presence in the industry in a positive way.