Over time, Bollywood has witnessed notable advancements in its depiction of female characters. Where earlier there was the portrayal of women as only subdued characters, the Bollywood movies have moved forward to portray them as strong characters, which captivated the audiences’ attention. Various characters in this landscape have emerged as uniquely celebrated for their resilience, fortitude, and compelling portrayals.


12 Strong and Iconic Female Characters

Geet Dhillon – “Jab We Met”

Geet, essayed by Kareena Kapoor Khan, is a vibrant, boisterous young woman who’s on the journey of self-discovery after a streak of accidents in her life. The inherent charm, her immediacy, and her tireless conviction she exhibits would make her the person necessary that would stimulate the viewer to live through the hardships of life from an encouraging point.

Running Time: 138 minutes

IMDB Rating: 7.9/10

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Star Cast: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Shahid Kapoor

Director: Imtiaz Ali

Writer: Imtiaz Ali

Year of release: 2007

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime


Rani Mehra – “Queen”

Rani, played by Kangana Ranaut, goes through a groundbreaking journey of self-discovery and strengthening in the wake of being abandoned at the raised area. With her newly discovered autonomy, she sets out on a performance special first night excursion to Europe, breaking liberated from cultural standards and finding her actual worth enroute. Rani’s strength and boldness resound with crowds, making her a seal of female strengthening.

Running Time: 146 minutes

IMDB Rating: 8.1/10

Genre: Comedy, Adventure

Star Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Lisa Haydon

Director: Vikar Bahl

Writer: Anvita Dutt Guptan

Year of release: 2013

Where to Watch:  Netflix


Meera Gaity – “NH10”

 Anushka Sharma’s depiction of Meera, a lady who assumes control over issues to seek justice after a harrowing incident, exhibits her solidarity and assurance notwithstanding difficulty. Meera’s unflinching purpose to stand up to underhanded powers head-on makes her a convincing and daring person who challenges cultural standards and battles for common decency.

Running Time: 115 minutes

IMDB Rating: 7.2/10

Genre: Action, Drama

Star Cast: Anushka Sharma, Neil Bhoopalam

Director: Navdeep Singh

Writer: Sudip Sharma

Year of release: 2015

Where to Watch: Netflix


Piku Banerjee – “Piku”

Deepika Padukone’s depiction of Piku, a fiercely independent woman who shuffles her profession and really focusing on her unpredictable dad, reverberated with crowds across ages. Piku’s realism, mind, and immovable devotion to her family make her an interesting and charming person who typifies current womanhood.

Running Time: 122 minutes

IMDB Rating: 7.6/10

Genre: Dramedy

Star Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Irrfan Khan

Director: Shoojit Sircar

Writer: Juhi Chaturvedi

Year of release: 2015

Where to Watch: SonyLIV


Aisha – “Wake Up Sid”

Konkona Sen Sharma’s depiction of Aisha, a confident and ambitious young woman who moves to Mumbai to pursue her dreams, resists generalizations and difficulties conventional orientation jobs. Aisha’s assurance to cut her own way in a male-ruled world fills in as a motivation to ladies taking a stab at freedom and accomplishment according to their own preferences.

Running Time: 138 minutes

IMDB Rating: 7.6/10

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Star Cast: Konkona Sen Sharma, Ranbir Kapoor

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Writer: Ayan Mukerji

Year of release: 2009

Where to Watch: Netflix


Sehmat Khan – “Raazi”

One of those characters reflecting such qualities of courage, hope, and compassion is Alia Bhatt as Sehmat, a young Indian girl being inducted as a spy in Pakistan while fighting between India and Pakistan carries on in 1971. Sehmat, with unbeatable patriotism and the way with dangerous situations—take them as they come and with grace—makes her the most outstanding and unforgettable personality.

Running Time: 140 minutes

IMDB Rating: 7.7/10

Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller

Star Cast: Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Jaydeep Ahlawat

Director: Meghna Gulzar

Writer: Bhavani Iyer, Meghna Gulzar

Year of release: 2018

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime


Vidya Bagchi – “Kahaani”

Vidya Balan, as Vidya Bagchi – a pregnant woman who comes to Kolkata to search for her missing husband, is just so attractive against the rest of the other actors. The determination, the intellect, the wit she puts in unfolding the mystery behind her husband’s disappearance is such that one can hardly resist not getting drawn towards her as the indefatigable protagonist who cannot be put down and is out there to deliver justice.

Running Time: 122 minutes

IMDB Rating: 8.1/10

Genre: Thriller

Star Cast: Vidya Balan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Director: Sujoy Ghosh

Writer: Sujoy Ghosh, Advaita Kala

Year of release: 2012

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime


Vidya Venkatesan Bagavathar – “Tumhari Sulu”

Vidya Balan shines as Sulu, a working housewife who startlingly ends up seeking after a vocation as a radio station personality. Sulu’s irresistible excitement, good faith, and get-up-and-go move watchers to embrace change and seek after their fantasies, regardless of their age or conditions.

Running Time: 140 mIniures

IMDB Rating: 

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Star Cast: Rani Mukherjee, Manav Paul, Neha Dhupia, RJ Malishka

Director: Suresh Triveni

Writer: Suresh Triveni

Year of release: 2017

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime


Shashi – “English Vinglish”

Sridevi essayed the role of Shashi, a middle-aged housewife who registers for an English language course to boost self-assurance. Shashi’s journey with self-realization and empowerment connotes that self-worth and drive break any societal stereotypical norms.

Running Time: 134 minutes

IMDB Rating: 7.8/10

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Star Cast: Sridevi, Adil Hussain

Director: Gauri Shinde

Writer: Gauri Shinde

Year of release: 2012

Where to Watch: JioCinema


Shivani Shivaji Roy – “Mardaani”

Rani Mukerji’s depiction of Shivani Shivaji Roy, a bold and dedicated cop fighting against human trafficking and gender-based violence, grandstands her enduring obligation to equity and ladies’ freedoms. Shivani’s assurance, boldness, and flexibility even with difficulty make her a good example for ladies in policing.

Running Time: 113 minutes

IMDB Rating: 7.3/10

Genre: Crime, Action

Star Cast: Rani Mukherjee

Director: Pradeep Sarkar

Writer: Gopi Puthran

Year of release: 2014

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime


Mastani – “Bajirao Mastani”

Deepika Padukone’s depiction of Mastani, a warrior princess who resists cultural standards to seek after her affection for the incredible fighter Bajirao, is both spellbinding and strong. Mastani’s mental fortitude, strength, and faithful love make her an image of flexibility and disobedience against shamefulness and mistreatment.

Running Time: 158 minutes

IMDB Rating: 7.2/10

Genre: Romance, Action

Star Cast: Deepuka Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra

Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Writer: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Year of release: 2015

Where to Watch: JioCinema, Amazon Prime


Amrita – “Thappad”

Taapsee Pannu’s depiction of Amrita, a lady who stands up against domestic violence after her significant other slaps her at a party, reverberated with crowds for its depiction of solidarity and versatility notwithstanding difficulty. Amrita’s excursion of self-disclosure and strengthening sends a strong message about the significance of sense of pride and going to bat for one’s privileges.

Running Time: 142 minutes

IMDB Rating: 7/10

Genre: Thriller, Drama

Star Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Pavail Gulati

Director: Anubhav Sinha

Writer: Anubhav Sinha, Mrunmayee Lagoo Waikul

Year of release: 2020

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime


Conclusion

All in all, these 12 strong and iconic female characters in Bollywood films have resisted generalizations, tested cultural standards, and enlivened crowds with their flexibility, boldness, and assurance. From Geet’s irresistible enthusiasm to Amrita’s faithful strength, these characters have made a permanent imprint on the artistic scene and keep on filling in as good examples for ladies all over the place.