Women in Bollywood were once just the heroines opposite a strong character essayed by male actors. Most of the heroines had the love angle. They used to dance around the trees with the hero or be the damsel in distress. They were portrayed as the weaker sex who were abused by the mother-in-law or the husband.
But gradually the trend has changed and it broke the norm of women in Bollywood and redefined their roles of not just being beautiful but also becoming bold, fiery, strong and independent.
Although there are many more names on the list but here are the women-centric roles that came out of a hero’s shadows. These divas have given us a new insight into different shades of women who are not portrayed as the weaker sex.
Let’s take a look at the list of Bollywood Divas who have enthralled us with their power-packed performance in women-centric films.
Sonam Kapoor in ‘Neerja’
The 2016 biopic thriller film Neerja starring Sonam Kapoor in the pivotal role as the late flight purser Neerja Bhanot depicts the events of the hijacking of Pan Am Flight. Neerja was a milestone in Sonam Kapoor’s career. Critics and audience loved her portrayal of the braveheart Neerja’s life with perfection. Bollywood had hailed her performance in this film.
Kangana Ranaut in ‘Queen’
Kangana Ranaut in Queen is undoubtedly one of the best films. She has essayed the role of an independent woman, Rani, a girl who goes on to complete her major travel goals after she was ditched at the altar by her would-be husband. This film helped her to acquire a critical acclaim in the Bollywood industry.
Deepika Padukone in ‘Piku’
In the film Piku, Deepika Padukone, is a smart, self-made, hardworking and independent Bong girl who has her own aspirations in today’s modern world. She is a complete woman who does not need a man to complete her. While pursuing her career, she acres for her old, child-like father. Her patience mirrors many women in similar situations across our country.
Priyanka Chopra in ‘Mary Kom’
In the movie Mary Kom, Priyanka Chopra is a self-made Indian boxer, is a strong woman who has won many accolades for her country. Priyanka Chopra has portrayed well in her biopic film on the silver screen. For this, she underwent training to learn boxing for months to enable her to look more realistic in her character. It’s no wonder she was a perfect choice for a blockbuster film.
Rani Mukerji in ‘No One Killed Jessica’
Rani Mukerji, after her sabbatical from films, made her comeback with this film. She essayed the role of a strong journalist, Meera, in the investigation and got Sabrina the justice for her sister Jessica’s murder. Her power-packed performance had enthralled the audience.
Vidya Balan in Kahaani
With ‘Kahaani,’ Vidya Balan essayed one of her finest roles in her film career. The role of a pregnant software engineer who goes to Kolkata in search of her missing husband. She carried the entire film on her shoulders. Also, she impressed all with her acting skills without the male support of a male star in the film.
Kareena Kapoor Khan in Chameli
In the film ‘Chameli’ Kareena Kapoor played the role of a young prostitute who meets a man on one night out. Her role as Chameli stole everyone’s heart. With her impressive performance, showing her fragile yet naughty side that we all loved. She portrayed the life of a sex worker and their survival in the flesh trade.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Provoked
In the movie ‘Provoked’ Aishwarya Rai Bachchan portrayed a housewife, Kiranjit Ahluwali, who is mentally and physically abused by her husband. The film revolves around Aishwarya as the wife who puts a stop to years of torture on her by killing her husband. This thought-provoking film shows you the reality of the world and the cruelty inflicted upon a woman and how she fights back. A portrayal of a strong woman that captivated the audience captivated by her realistic performance.
Kalki Koechlin in Margarita with a Straw
Kalki Koechlin is known for her off-beat cinema and her profound roles. She carved a niche in film as Laila in Margarita with a Straw. She portrays a disabled girl with cerebral palsy who desires a normal life. Her portrayal of the character with conviction made the audience feel her pain. It was one of the best films of her in the Bollywood industry.
Tabu in Chandni Bar
Tabu, a talented actress known for experimenting in various films. One of the most captivating stories is about the plight of bar dancers. Tabu in Chandni Bar plays the role of Mumtaz, a village girl who has lost her family in communal riots and has to take up to a dance girl at the bar. She is raped by her own uncle and that is when she brings about a change in her to be strong woman who fights injustice.
Taapsi Pannu in Thappad
Taapsi Pannu’s film ‘Thappad’ is a story of Amrita, who has a perfect marriage with her husband until one day he slaps her at a party. That one slap is enough for her to question the relationship. When Amrita and her husband meet Vikram in court to finalise their divorce and the two part ways with a sense of renewed hope.
Alia Bhatt in Gangubai Kathiawadi
Alia Bhatt in the biographical crime drama is based on the book Mafia Queen of Mumbai. She essays the role of Gangubai Kathiawadi, a simple girl from Kathiawad who is forced into prostitution by her boyfriend. Seeing the injustice in the brothel house, she takes it upon herself to rise and become a madam and an influential figure in Bombay’s red light area. The entire film revolves around Alia Bhatt in her strong and powerful performance as Gangubai. It was a mesmerizing performance in the Bollywood industry.
Sridevi in English Vinglish
Sridevi as Shashi Godbole is a small entrepreneur who makes Indian sweets and snacks. She is constantly mocked and ridiculed by her husband and daughter for her lack of English language skills. Shashi enrols herself in an English speaking course and gains he self-respect in the process. A true story by Gauri Shinde, inspired by her mother. Sridevi as Shashi Godbole, as always, has given an unmatched performance. Also, she was one of the finest actresses of the Bollywood industry.
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