This isn't a list where C-grade stars who only appear in "those kind of" movies are going to make an appearance. We mean to put together women who have achieved success and fame with hard work; but nevertheless have the 'oomph' factor working for them. Here's our top 10 sexy women of true South Indian origin; after all when even the Ajanta and Ellora caves are paying tribute to the Dravidian women, why wouldn't we!
10. Deepika Padukone

A model-turned-actress but one who was lucky enough to make her Bollywood debut in a major blockbuster release (
Om Shanti Om opposite Shah Rukh Khan) -- only her second film! A Bangalore native of Mangalorean origin, Deepika is the daughter of badminton champion Prakash Padukone. Her dusky skin tone and sleek eyes have already garnered her a massive fan-following -- and at just 24, she's only just begun her film career.
9. Nayanthara
We don't know the story behind how Diana Mariam Kurian (her real name) became Nayantara but really, does it matter? One of the hottest actresses at the moment (a native of Tiruvalla, Kerala), Nayantara grew up all over India thanks to her father being an Indian Air Force official. She's starred in smash hits such as
Chandramukhi opposite Rajnikanth and
Billa (Tamil) and her sultry looks only add to her success.
8. Padma Lakshmi
Probably the most famous South Indian woman in the Western world right now (yes, more people know her by name than Aishwarya Rai). Padma Parvati Lakshmi was born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu but grew up in the US. She's the host of hit reality show
Top Chef and was well-know for her marriage to controversial novelist Salman Rushdie (they later divorced in 2007). Laksmi began her career as a top model before making her name in world of food and television.
7. Rekha
This is one bombshell of the South who has created waves with her magnetic sex appeal since the 1970s. Doe eyed, dusky with an innate sense of style and the drive to keep re-inventing her looks, Rekha oozes sex appeal that seems to get only stronger each passing year. Born in Chennai to Gemini Ganeshan (Tamil actor) and Pushpavalli (Telugu actress), this is one hot woman who was born with fame marked on her pretty little forehead.
6. Sheetal Mallar
Born in Mumbai to a Mangalorian family, Sheetal Mallar is probably one of the best known super models of India. Tall, sharp featured and with a mane of gorgeous curls you can't take your eyes off, this dusky goddess of the ramp is a well known brand ambassador for names like Maybelline, Motorola, and her most recent TV ad campaign was for
Wild Stone deodrant.
See who made our top 5 after the break.