Rai made her acting debut in Mani Ratnam's Tamil film Iruvar and her Hindi film debut in Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya.

Rai starred in the high-profile Tamil film Jeans, which was submitted as India's official entry to the Academy Awards.

Rai won her first Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's romantic drama Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.

Rai won her second Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her performance in Bhansali's period romance Devdas.

Rai featured as a thief in the action film Dhoom 2, her biggest commercial success since Devdas.

Rai played the role of Jodhaa Bai opposite Hrithik Roshan's Akbar in the historical drama Jodhaa Akbar.

Rai starred in the Tamil science fiction film Enthiran, which grossed ₹250 crore.

Rai made her comeback with the film Jazbaa, a remake of the South Korean film Seven Days.

Rai reunited with Mani Ratnam for the two-part period films Ponniyin Selvan: I and Ponniyin Selvan: II.