Bollywood's best dressed stars of 2009

Style is the heartbeat of showbiz. Year after year, Bollywood stars make their share of fashionable statements on celluloid. And this year saw no shortage of eye-catching action.

While the reigning divas and hunks continue to sparkle, young 'uns, too, showed some flair for dressing up.

Presenting 2009's Top 10 Best Dressed stars on the silver screen, in no particular order.

Kareena Kapoor

While none of her movies rose to the stature of Jab We Met this year, Kareena Kapoor surely didn't disappoint fans who favour her as Bollywood's leading fashionista.

As always, her range was stunning, diverse and effortless. Be it Kurbaan's fusion picks, Main Aur Mrs Khanna's pastel-hued femininity, Kambakkht Ishq's designer brand flamboyance or 3 Idiot's charming simplicity.

This girl sure knows how to pick an outfit and own it.

Besides gaining a few brownie points for her work in New York, the delicate Jenny from Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani continues to steadily climb the style chart with her distinct polish and chic outfits.

If New York saw her graduate from sporty to snazzy, APKGK witnessed her transform into a cutesy girl-next-door in frilly frocks and plaid minis while De Dana Dan had her slipping into glitzy heroine mode (seductively-wrapped chiffon saris et al) with ease.

But if you think she's all gooey no guts, catch her pierced chin, girl-punk avatar in Blue.

Known for her impeccable dressing sense, off screen, even otherwise Lara Dutta oscillates convincingly from a traditional village woman in simple cotton saris, over-sized bindi and behenji hairstyles for Billu to an ultra-mod and sultry sea siren in Blue.

Around the same time, the former Miss Universe finds enough incentive and imagination to compete with the over-the-top temperament of Do Knot Disturb with generous help from her jazzy wardrobe. Not a small feat, no?

Isn't it a pain to watch 40 something's trying to pass off for a college bloke? That's why Ranbir Kapoor's turn as a clueless lad in Wake Up Sid was a pleasant change.

Only someone with his brand of inborn boyishness and gullible charm could carry off a role that required a wardrobe full of cartoon-plastered tees, playfully vibrant socks, boxers and sneakers. Super cool and one hundred percent trendsetting.

Akshay Kumar had a busy 2009 -- warding off enemies in China (technically Thailand, in Chandni Chowk To China), wrestling a bunch of sharks in Bahamas (Blue), jumping inside a photograph in Canada (8x10 Tasveer), bashing a bunch of goons in Los Angeles (Kambhakkht Ishq).

Okay, so none of them turned out to be a box office blockbuster. But there's no denying the man's hot, well turned out and can carry off anything from a scuba suit to a pink-striped blazer. Dare to disagree?

Actors Kamal Haasan and Sarika's spunky daughter, Shruti made her debut in Bollywood this year opposite Imran Khan with Soham Shah's Luck.

While the film didn't live up to its title, its petite leading lady with vocal skills to match has left quite an impression. Plus, an edgy, rock-star sensibility, which is notably distinct from her equally fashion-forward colleagues.

A far cry from the scruffy, unshaven superhero of Drona, Abhishek Bachchan cleans up nice to essay the titular role of Paa. His look in R Balki's unusual father-son drama is said to be inspired by young and promising Indian politicians Sachin Pilot and Milind Deora.

Must say those pristine white kurta-pajama sets and simple, metallic frames look rather becoming on AB Jr. Classy stuff, we approve.

For the leggy and photogenic Deepika Padukone turning any garment into a perfect design must be child's play. No wonder she's every top designer's dream showstopper.

The model-turned-actress maintained this reputation by making flawless appearances in flawed movies, while staying in the parameters of the character she was playing. Be it as the part-feisty, part-demure twin act in Chandni Chowk To China or pragmatic yet romantic Meera in Love Aaj Kal.

Namely, brocade kimonos, floral-printed cheong sam dress, glittery cocktail numbers or vibrant, over-sized kurtis teamed with faded jeans. Fault her performance, you may. But not her styling.

If you thought he is only about meaningful cinema and fleshed-out performances, give the man a second look. Considering Dev D is easily one 2009's sexiest movies, it's only fair that the handsome Deol should have some share in it.

His blend of quirky style and sleek edginess in smart graphic tees as well as folded-sleeved shirts, vest and jeans is hard to miss.

Alas, there were no yellow briefs this year (even though he did appear in the buff for an intense sequence of New York).

Nevertheless, John Abraham traded Dostana's beachwear to sport cool casuals and upscale power suits in Kabir Khan's glossy take on international racism.