Bipasha was born on January 7th 1979 in New Delhi. subsequently the Basu family re-located to Calcutta. Bipasha is the second of three sisters, born and brought up in a Hindu Bengali family, she is fluent in Hindi, English, and Bengali. The names of her sisters are Bidisha and Bijoyeta. Unbelievable as it may sound, sexy Bipasha was considered 'ugly' in her younger years due to her dark complexion. Her name means 'Dark Deep Desire', and is also the name of a river.

After her triumph as the Ford Supermodel, she went on to be crowned Miss Vivacious sponsored by Tulips.

Bipasha made her foray into Bollywood with 'Ajnabee' in 2001, and subsequently acquired a place for herself in the tinsel world. She went to star in 'Raaz', 'Jism', 'No Entry', 'Phir Herapheri', 'Corporate' &'Dhoom 2'. All of these movies did fairly well at the box office, and escalated her position as not only a leading lady, but one who can dare to bare. 'Dhoom 2' also credits her as a playback singer.

She has also appeared in two music videos, and was one of the judges in the 2004 Femina Miss India beauty pageant.