Over the years and even in the Golden era Hindi cinema has no longer been a male dominated space only. We have had the headstrong ladies who are leading the films.  Actresses are no longer the glamorous queens of the film industry. They have essayed many shades through their roles in various films. Some of their choices have been thrillers, horror or mystery and much more.  The female forces have been a prominent actor behind the Indian cinema and an insight to the women power in the Hindi film industry.  

The film industry has continued to spotlight female centric narratives through new releases every year. 

On Women’s Day, we celebrate the actresses who have raised the bar by creating a cinematic space for themselves and have moved out of the conventional belief that the film industry has its boundaries.  Some of the actors who have led a film independently with their strength, vulnerability in a challenging role or have also been in the titular role such as Gangubai Kathiawadi.  

Deepika Padukone in Piku is shown a strong-willed woman who balances her professional life and taking care of her hypochondriac father.  She not only explored the emotional challenges in such relationships and a daughter’s challenging journey. 

Alia Bhatt in Raazi stepped into the shoes of young Indian spy who is married to a Pakistani Military family.   While she essayed the strong willed Sehmat, Alia brought a fine balance of her vulnerability and her strength. She stood out for depicting patriotism through her emotional sacrifice. 

Kriti Sanon in Do Patti anchored herself as a lead in a bold narrative in Do Patti. A thriller mystery that revolves around the domestic abuse, the generational trauma and patriarchy.  The successful actress continues with her quest to explore further and Do Patti is one of her finest performances.

Triptii Dimri brought about a new meaning to the heroine of today by making a choice of Bulbbul and Qala. The landmark projects in which she plays the titular roles. She has the supernatural strength with which she fights for injustice in her village in Bulbbul and in Qala she depicts the contradicting feelings between success and conflicts of her past. 

Yami Gautam in Haq shouldered the entire film on herself. A story of a woman who fights the legal battle for maintenance of her children and her rights after she was abandoned by her husband. Her protagonist role showed her as Shazia going through the struggles and how she evolves into become a source of national debate for women’s faith and rights. 

Fatima Sana Shaikh in Dhak Dhak is known for her off beat screen choice.  She surprised her audience by ditching her glam look to portray a headstrong woman who embarks on a road trip to the highest mountain pass in the world, that is Ladakh.    Fatima has added to this her striking bold self, female-centric narrative.

Pratibha Ranta in Laapataa Ladies and in Accused has brought about the resilience and strength. Showcasing as a small-town girl willing to lead the path of ambition and not let marriage come in her way.  In the OTT released Accused she plays the role of a lesbian and navigates the dynamics of a strange relationship.