Women’s Day Special – Indian Actresses Who Have Portrayed Strong Female Characters on Screen
By Lokmat English Desk | Updated: March 8, 2025 15:33 IST2025-03-08T15:25:57+5:302025-03-08T15:33:02+5:30
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Indian cinema has seen a transformative shift, with powerful women-led stories taking center stage. Today, actresses are owning the screen with performances that are bold, inspiring, and deeply layered. As we celebrate Women’s Day, let’s have a look at some of the most remarkable actresses who have redefined female characters with their fearless and unforgettable performances.
Vidya Balan
Vidya Balan has been a game-changer in Bollywood, proving that women-led films can be critically acclaimed and commercially successful. She delivered a powerhouse performance in 'Ishqiya' (2010) as Krishna Verma, a woman who is both mysterious and strong-willed. Her character exuded intelligence and cunning, navigating a world of crime and deceit with resilience and wit, proving that strength comes in many forms. In The Dirty Picture (2011), she fearlessly portrayed Silk Smitha, embracing the boldness and vulnerability of a woman who refused to live by society’s rules. With Kahaani (2012), she played Vidya Bagchi, a pregnant woman searching for her missing husband in Kolkata, only to reveal a shocking twist that left audiences stunned. Vidya’s role in Tumhari Sulu (2017) further cemented her versatility, as she breathed life into a middle-class homemaker who rediscovers her confidence as a radio jockey. Following this, she has given several women-centric films including 'Shakuntala Devi' (2020).
Rani Mukerji
Rani Mukerji has been a force to be reckoned with in Bollywood, taking on roles that depict strong, independent women. One of her most celebrated roles came in Black (2005), where she portrayed a deaf and blind woman, bringing an extraordinary level of emotional depth to the screen. In the Mardaani series (2014, 2019), she played Shivani Shivaji Roy, a fearless cop taking on human traffickers, delivering an intense and hard-hitting performance.
Kiara Advani
Kiara Advani has carved a niche for herself with roles that challenge traditional storytelling. In Lust Stories (2018), she played a newlywed woman navigating her desires, a performance that sparked conversations about female agency in Indian cinema. Her role in Guilty (2020) as Nanki Dutta, a rebellious college student Nanki Dutta dealing with a #MeToo case. The actress showcased her ability to portray deep-seated trauma and inner conflict. Kiara also delivered a standout performance in Shershaah (2021) as Dimple Cheema, bringing emotional depth and strength to the character. Kiara Advani portrayed a strong-willed woman in 'Jug Jugg Jeeyo' (2022) as Naina, a successful working professional dealing with the complexities of marriage and personal aspirations. Her performance highlighted the struggles of modern women balancing career, relationships, and self-respect with determination and grace. In Satyaprem Ki Katha (2023), she beautifully balanced vulnerability and resilience, playing a woman overcoming past trauma while learning to embrace love.
Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt has time and again proven that she is one of the most versatile actresses of her generation. In Highway (2014), Alia stunned audiences with her portrayal of a young woman on a journey of self-discovery after being kidnapped, marking one of the most nuanced performances of her career. In Raazi (2018), she portrayed an Indian spy who marries a Pakistani family, delivering a gripping performance that balanced patriotism with personal conflict. Her transformation into Gangubai Kathiawadi in Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) was nothing short of mesmerizing, as she brought raw power and emotional depth to the story of a sex worker-turned-mafia queen. Also, in last year's release 'Jigra', Alia Bhatt plays the character of Satyabhama "Satya" Anand, a young woman fighting to rescue her brother, Ankur Anand, from a foreign prison.
Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka Chopra has taken on some of the most challenging roles in Bollywood, proving her versatility time and again. Her transformation into the legendary boxer in Mary Kom (2014) was nothing short of extraordinary, as she brought the grit and perseverance of a real-life athlete to the big screen. In Bajirao Mastani (2015), she played Kashibai with a perfect balance of strength and heartbreak, making her one of the most memorable characters in the film. With Jai Gangaajal (2016), Priyanka stepped into the shoes of a tough IPS officer fighting corruption, solidifying her position as an actress who can command the screen with power and intensity.
Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone has seamlessly blended elegance and power in her roles, giving audiences some of the most unforgettable female characters in recent years. In Piku (2015), the actress showcased a different side of Deepika, as she played a modern, independent woman navigating life’s struggles while caring for her aging father. Her portrayal of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal in Chhapaak (2020) was deeply moving, shedding light on the harsh realities of survivors while celebrating their courage. In Padmaavat (2018), she embodied Rani Padmavati’s dignity and unshakable strength, holding her own in a film dominated by grandeur and intensity.
Kangana Ranaut
Kangana Ranaut is known for choosing roles that celebrate fearless, independent women who refuse to conform. In Queen (2014), she won hearts as Rani, a simple girl who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after being left at the altar. With Manikarnika (2019), she brought the legendary warrior Rani Laxmibai to life, delivering an action-packed performance that radiated power and patriotism. In Thalaivii (2021), Kangana took on the challenging role of J. Jayalalithaa, tracing her journey from an actress to one of India’s most formidable political leaders.
Kangana Ranaut is known for choosing roles that celebrate fearless, independent women who refuse to conform. In Queen (2014), she won hearts as Rani, a simple girl who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after being left at the altar. With Manikarnika (2019), she brought the legendary warrior Rani Laxmibai to life, delivering an action-packed performance that radiated power and patriotism. In Thalaivii (2021), Kangana took on the challenging role of J. Jayalalithaa, tracing her journey from an actress to one of India’s most formidable political leaders.
