Bollywood has had its fair share of sex symbols —right from the ethereal Madhubala to Punjabi boy Dharmendra, the sensuous Helen to today’s sirens —Mallika Sherawat and Bipasha Basu. But of course, every generation must pass on the baton. We asked six B-town directors to predict the sex symbol of the future. They came up with some interesting names.

Leena Yadav
Who: Sonam Kapoor, Shahid Kapur, Konkona Sen Sharma
Why: It’s difficult to name one guy but I would say Shahid Kapur will soon be rediscovered as a sex symbol. He’s got the looks, he’s got the body and with the kind of roles he is doing, he is sure to fit the bill.
Among the girls I like Konkona Sen Sharma and Sonam Kapoor—both are unconventionally beautiful and exude a lot of sensuality.

Subhash Ghai
Who: Ranbir Kapoor and Anuraag Sinha
Why: Among the newcomers, I really like Ranbir and Anuraag Sinha. They both have the looks that most girls will swoon over, and also have very good acting talent. Also Sonam Kapoor is a new face who is finding a lot of favour among youngsters.

Sanjay Gupta
Who: Neha Oberoi and Sikander Kher.
Why: Mark my words, they will be the next sexy stars in Bollywood in the a couple of years. And neither of them are even a film old.

Tanuja Chandra
Who: Ranbir Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut
Why: There are too many new actors right now, but among the current crop I really like Ranbir Kapoor. He’s got an edge to him that is very appealing. Even though he did a good job in Saawariya, people may not have realised his complete potential. He will definitely be one person who will make the girls swoon. Among the new batch of heroines I like Kangana Ranaut because she looks naturally sensuous. She doesn’t make an effort to be sexy and that’s very attractive. She will go a long way.

Madhur Bhandarkar
Who: Neil Nitin Mukesh, Ranbir Kapoor
Why: They are both young, successful and command a lot of attention. They have unconventional looks and a desire to succeed, which makes them the sex symbols of the future.

Apoorva Lakhia
Who: Deepika Padukone
Why: Because she’s got everything— the looks, the body, the confidence. She’s a surefire winner. But I can’t think of a suitable candidate among the men.