(From top) Bipasha Basu, Mallika Sherawat, Sameera Reddy

Desperate Housewives spawns the desperately sexy Eva Longoria’s sudden superstardom. From being just another face on television she’s considered a hyperventilating hottie. With the eminently popular girlie soap being squeezed into Indian television, it’s time to size up the homespun Longorias.

PRIYANKA CHOPRA: The new-age Zeenat Aman?and the fact that she’s cast in Zeenie Baby’s role (and not as Umrao Jaan as she was slated to) proves she’s equipped to take on Aman?or the whole male sex! Our Preeni Baby has a pouty personality that rendered itself effectively to the vampish seductress’ role in Aitraaz. But Priyanka isn’t comfortable with the siren’s image now. “I’m basically a girl next door with very middleclass values, so no exposure and seductive roles for me.” So long, Longoria.

BIPASHA BASU: With her recent physical makeover Bipasha is just the antidote to libidinous ennui that the doctors prescribed. Her blow hot blow cold act as the uninhibited Bobby in No Entry gives her the ‘hit’ tag that she so craved for. But Bips lacks the desi touch, the massy quality of Priyanka. Also, she’s been around a bit too long. Jism gone cold?

KOENA MITRA: The new Bipasha Basu? According to the connoisseur of female appeal, Pritish Nandy, Koena is all set to take over from Bipasha after his production Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena hits the marquee. That miracle remains to be obscene?er, seen. But Bengali babes have always had an edge in erotica (read: Sharmila Tagore, Sushmita Sen?)

MALLIKA SHERAWAT: Sure. She’s become synonymous with unabashed sexuality. And if someone were to make a Hindi version of Desperate Housewives, Mallika would be a natural choice. But her bold countenance and fearless statements make her turn-on quality a bit too tartish. Tone it down, lady. And you’re on.

SAMEERA REDDY: In Musafir she did what Priyanka couldn’t. Played a woman who sleeps with two men without apology. But the film bombed. And Sameera’s plans of reinventing the image of the Hindi heroine as the horny man’s favourite pin-up girl went kaput. Sameera’s now coming in a Bengali film with Rahul Bose. Not quite the zing thing.

Koena Mitra, Priyanka Chopra and Ayesha Takia

AYESHA TAKIA: An unlikely candidate for the Longorian crown. But Ayesha has the fizz, the spice and the wholesome appeal, of the girl-next- door coveted by every boy-next-door. She’s cool and chic in a ruffled, unconscious, ungroomed way. A natural nymphet.