Obviously, Portman landed the role because she’s dating the Venezuelan folk singer. But with the plethora of real life Bollywood beauties out there, we might have cast someone who is actually, you know, Indian. Everybody knows Aishwarya Rai, but there are a gang of younger starletts just waiting for an introduction to the West. After the jump we’ve compiled five real Bollywood stunners who would’ve put Portman’s performance to shame.

1. MALLIKA SHERAWAT

The model/actress made a name for herself in Murder, a movie that was inspired by Hollywood’s Unfaithful (starring Richard Gere). Sherawat’s first name means “empress” in Indian. Hail to the queen.

2. KATRINA KAIF

The Hong Kong-born actress got her start modeling at the age of 14 doing jewelry ads. Since then, the 24-year-old has acted in 13 films, with Singh Is Kinng and Yuvraaj slated for release this year.

3. SHILPA SHETTY

Though Shetty (we don’t want to hear any “shitty” jokes) is a staunch advocate for humanitarian causes like PETA, and HIV/AIDS, the veteran actress was at the center of controversy last year when Richard Gere violated Indian customs by kissing her repeatedly on the cheek at a safe sex press event. He couldn’t resist and neither can we.

4. SAMEERA REDDY

This hottie is a classically trained dancer that made her way to music videos. She also has her own video game for cellphones called Sameera the Street Fighter. Trained dancer = flexibility = good in the sack = we’re in love.

5. BIPASHA BASU

Bips was on track to go to medical school until she chose to flaunt her beauty instead of brains on the big screen. She was also a forgotten video girl in R&B singer Jay Sean’s “Stolen.”

Watch Natalie Portman in the “Carmensita” Video: