Bipasha Basu stars in the surprise hit Jism

A rash of Bollywood films featuring daring scenes have appeared after the success of the film Jism this year.

The film features rising Bollywood star Bipasha Basu, and has been one of the surprise hits of 2003.

A rash of other Bollywood productions are following it, turning their back on the industry's cautious self-censorship.

Several forthcoming films this year look set to test the boundaries even further.

One, Kwhahish (Desire), is based on the life of a married couple where the wife openly talks about her sexual dissatisfaction.

The film includes 17 kissing scenes, and sees the young couple buying condoms on their wedding night.

Its star Mallika Shekhawat says: "Khwahish is an emotional film far bolder than any of the films so far. It's all about loving, living and losing."

Khwahish or Desire, is another film pushing boundaries

Another film, Deepak Tijor's Oops, deals with an even more provocative subject - male strippers.

"The film is inspired by real life. These things happen behind closed doors. I am bringing them into the open," Tijori said.

He added the film was not about sex and that the stripping played an integral part in the story.

Mumbai Matinne is about a 30-year-old man who is desperate to lose his virginity.

Bollywood star Parizad Zorabia, who plays the film's heroine, said she did not think the film was being too bold.

"We are living in the 21st Century after all," she said.