Television actress Nia Sharma beat Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif in an esteemed list of ‘50 Sexiest Asian Women’ for the year. Not only Nia but there were other telly stars also who held an edge over the Bollywood biggies. In addition to the 26-year-old, Rubina Dilaik of Shakti — Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki fame and Drashti Dhami of Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon fame were ranked in top 10 by British-based Eastern Eye newspaper. Indian television actresses are shattering stereotypes, mostly associated with their on-screen avatars. However, in contrast to their caricaturish roles on TV, they are more contemporary and desirable in real lives.

In 2017, a bandwagon of television actresses shed inhibitions to flaunt their sexy sides. Take, for instance, Ragini MMS 2.2 actress Karishma Sharma who did a series of racy photoshoots including topless and nude to breathe fire on Instagram. Nonetheless, Naagin hottie Mouni Roy emerged as the ultimate successful face of the Indian tellyville this year. Apart from being a striking beauty, she is talented actor and dancer who will be making her grand Bollywood debut opposite none other than Akshay Kumar in 2018 film Gold. Gone are the days when television was given a step-child treatment in comparison to the cinema industry. These glamorous television actresses can give several B-town divas a run for their money.

1. Mouni Roy

Click my picture, I feel beautiful tonight ... #birthday?

A post shared by mon (@imouniroy) on Sep 27, 2017 at 1:54pm PDT

Mouni is not only the TV queen but also a social media darling. As an accomplished actress and a gifted dancer, the gorgeous star is a fashionista. Be it her traditional attires or her contemporary looks, Mouni bowls her followers with her effortless styling. A scroll through her Instagram feed is a pure joy. Both in her role of a glamorous bridesmaid (at friend and co-star, Aashka Goradia) or as a confident model in sexy photoshoots, Mouni scores a perfect hundred.

2. Nia Sharma

A post shared by Nia Sharma (@niasharma90) on May 23, 2017 at 2:14pm PDT

Nia Sharma is all of 26 but that does not stop the young achiever from becoming second sexiest Asian woman. The Jamai Raja star beat Deepika Padukone, an A-listed Bollywood actress and global icon to go a rung higher in the 2017 list of 50 Sexiest Asian Women. She is fiercely ambitious and unapologetic about the same making Nia sexier.

3. Karishma Sharma

A post shared by Ragini ?? (@karishmasharma22) on Dec 9, 2017 at 7:07pm PST

Another Sharma who has single-handedly changed the perception about Indian television actresses. Karishma Sharma, 23-year-old Delhi girl is 2017’s biggest discovery. Despite being a part of popular daily soaps such as Pavitra Rishta and Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, it was her boudoir shoot at the start of 2017 sprung her in the trends. Karishma’s photoshoots with Amit Khanna, her favourite fashion photographer was everything from going topless to nude. Nevertheless, they brought the good-looking model-actress in much limelight.

4. Pooja Bose

A post shared by Puja Banerjee (@banerjeepuja) on Nov 2, 2017 at 11:31pm PDT

Currently seen in Colors’ TV series, Dev as Mehak Burman, 30-year-old is garnering a lot of attention. Pooja Bose also known as Puja Bannerjee is incredibly hot – those light eyes, perfect body stats and infectious smile is winning the social media. A much believer in if you have it, flaunt it, Pooja is one of the most watched for in the hottest TV actress list.

5. Hina Khan

A post shared by Hina Khan (@realhinakhan) on Oct 25, 2017 at 10:30pm PDT

Hina Khan’s journey from being television’s favourite bahu to most annoying reality TV star deserves a standalone piece. But let’s not divulge about former Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai actress’ conduct on reality shows especially Bigg Boss 11. Focussing more on her fashion and hotness quotient, the 30-year-old has definitely proven herself as a style icon.

6. Jennifer Winget

Class - Middle ...still living it and loving it! #RememberOurRoots #agroundedlife

A post shared by Jennifer Winget (@jenniferwinget1) on Sep 6, 2017 at 2:18am PDT

From being a conventional romantic interest, Riddhima of Dill Mill Gayye to a sexy possessive lover, Maya of Beyhadh, actress Jennifer Winget has done justice to all her roles. Apart from her memorable TV characters, the 32-year-old is loved by her fans for great sense of style and fashion. Her sartorial choices have established Jennifer as one of the beloved as well as highest paid actress in the industry.

7. Krystle D'Souza

A post shared by Krystle D'souza (@krystledsouza) on Oct 17, 2017 at 1:13am PDT

Big bright eyes, long legs, naturally silky straight hair - Krystle D'Souza epitomizes ideal beauty standards. The 27-year-old Mumbai girl has done notable works in Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai and Ekk Nayi Pehchaan. Not just on the small screen, Krystle has established herself well as a social media star. Her confident and sexy personality reflected via her pictures and videos are worth following.

8. Rubina Dilaik

A post shared by Rubina Dilaik (@rubinadilaik) on Dec 7, 2017 at 6:20am PST

Yet another actress who will shock you with her stark contrast between her reel and real-life persona is Rubina Dilaik. Her fans would remember her as Soumya from Shakti — Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki or Radhika from Choti Bahu – Sindoor Bin Suhagan. Television viewers have mostly seen Rubina wrapped in designer sarees and heavy jewellery but off the screen, the fair actress loves to don more Western outfits. She is one of the very few female celebs who can rock both traditional as well as skimpy outfits with ease. Rubina is ranked No. 10 in the ‘50 Sexiest Asian Women’ list by Eastern Eye.

These gorgeous women are so much more than their cliché roles that of dutiful wife, lovely daughter or favourite bahu. 2017 has been extra special in discovering the other sides of our favourites female celebs on TV. They are no more confined to sari-clad, over-the-top sanskari damsel in distress roles. In real lives, they’re so much more. Thanks to their public Instagram account, we get to catch a glimpse of their real world, which is less of drama and more of fun.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 24, 2017 06:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).