Who is the Queen of Bollywood?

The question on everyone's glossed lips.

From Kareena to Katrina, and from Priyanka to Deepika - they are all vying for pole position whether they admit it or not.

Let's take a look at their chances.

Kareena Kapoor

Ever since Rani Mukherji's career went downhill, and Preity's magic faded, Bebo has been a strong contender to the B-town throne, despite her string of flops and one-time rivals (see: Amisha, Bipasha). She is one leading lady who is here to stay. For every disastrous 'Tashan' there is a super-hit '3 Idiots', for every fluffy chick-flick-type 'Kambakkht Ishq', there is a high performance-packed 'Kurbaan'. Currently riding high on the super-success of Golmaal 3 which is currently the second biggest hit of the year (after 'Dabangg') - the star is currently shooting back-to-back with her 2 favourite Khans. Shak Rukh Khan in Anubhav Sinha's 'Ra.One', and Sriram Raghavan's 'Agent Vinod' with Saif.

Today she is arguably the first choice for film directors across the board, whether it is glamour, drama, or romance and comedy on the cards. The actress has proven her abilities in front of the camera a number of times. She is the brand ambassador for 17 companies - no mean feat, and if gossip columns are to be believe she is also the highest paid actress in the business, over-taking even Aishwarya Rai.

Priyanka Chopra

Last year her immaculate performance in 'What's Your Raashee?' failed to impress the masses and got lost in translation. Although her minor role in Vishal Bharadwaj's 'Kaminey' made up for lost credit. The start of the year saw another big-banner-backed film of hers 'Pyaar Impossible' sink without a trace. Although she soon bounced back with 'Anjaana Anjaani'.

2011 will be interesting as she takes on a huge role in 'Saat Khoon Maaf' - another Vishal Bharadwaj directed drama. She also has the high-budget, promising to be ass-kicking sequel to Farhan Akhtar's 2006 remake: 'Don 2' with Shah Rukh Khan.

This star is ever popular online with her Twitter account and fan interaction. She is playing her cards right, let's see what time holds in store for her.

Katrina Kaif

The golden girl of Bollywood. Every film is a hit. Never before has a female star had such a great run at the box-office. She has stayed away from controversies; no reaction as yet to the recent jibes sent her way from Deepika Padukone on the chat show 'Koffee With Karan'. Neither has she shyed away from working with other females, from Sushmita Sen ('Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya') and Lara Dutta ('Partner', 'Blue') to Bipasha Basu ('Race') and Mallika Sherawat ('Welcome'). Katrina has everything going for her, with a brilliant run of films over the last few years, stretching through to this year with 'Raajneeti' and the upcoming 'Tees Maar Khan' - which is creating a huge buzz ever since the promos burst onto the scene a few weeks ago.



Deepika Padukone

Deepi has been riding on a wave of success ever since her debut in late 2007 with Shah Rukh Khan in Farah Khan's 'Om Shanti Om'. She followed it with big hits like 'Bachna Ae Haseeno' (2008), Love Aaj Kal' (2009), Housefull (2010). As well as less fairing affairs but critical acclaim-backed roles in films like 'Lafangey Parindey' (2010); in which she plays a blind street-smart dancer, and the girlfriend of a split-personality disoredered man in 'Karthik Calling Karthik' (2010).

The future looks bright with 2 more releases lined up back-to-back before the end of the year. Ashutosh Gowariker's 'Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se' with Abhishek Bachchan and Danish Aslam's 'Break Ke Baad' with Imran Khan.

Next year she is rumoured to be cast in 'Race 2' with Saif Ali Khan and 'Desi Boyz' with Akshay Kumar.

Verdict

So who is the front-runner?
It seems that Kareena will close the year on top once again, although Katrina is right behind her in the popularity stakes. Priyanka could challenge her with her upcoming flicks, and Deepika is making her mark for sure, but for now, Bebo is the undisputed Queen.