Gone are the days when actresses stuck to convention. In the Bollywood of today, they’re making banging entries into the roles that were predominantly male-dominated, especially those of cops. Not only are the actresses of today bringing the required intensity, but they are also pulling it off with such conviction – making it seem like nobody could have done it better than them! Take a look:
Rani Mukerji – Mardaani
Rani Mukerji shattered the idea of ‘male-dominated’ roles by playing Inspector Shivani Roy in Mardaani, a character that was rarely expected to be played by an actress. However, she stunned everyone by getting deep into the gore zone and pulling off an intriguing role with sheer brilliance.
Tabu in Drishyam
Tabu’s portrayal of IG Meera Deshmukh in Drishyam stands out as one of the most compelling depictions of a police officer in contemporary Indian cinema. She brings an intense mix of authority, resilience, and emotional vulnerability to the role. As a high-ranking officer investigating the disappearance of her own son, Meera’s personal grief becomes inseparable from her professional duty, creating a morally complex character who refuses to relent. Tabu’s calm yet commanding presence adds depth to every confrontation, especially in scenes where she interrogates Vijay Salgaonkar’s family. Tabu’s performance elevates the film’s tension, making Meera a formidable adversary whose motivations audiences can understand even while fearing her resolve.
Deepika Padukone in Singham Again
Deepika Padukone’s entry into Rohit Shetty’s cop universe in Singham Again brings a fresh, fiery energy to the franchise. Playing Shakti Shetty, a fierce and unpredictable police officer, she blends raw aggression with sleek screen charisma, expanding the universe’s roster of powerful law-enforcement characters. Deepika’s portrayal stands out for its intensity. With swagger, physical strength, and emotional conviction, she fits seamlessly into the high-octane world dominated by larger-than-life cops like Singham and Simmba. Deepika’s performance signals a refreshing shift, bringing a strong female force into a traditionally male-driven action universe.
Sonakshi Sinha in Dahaad
Sonakshi Sinha delivers one of her most nuanced performances as SI Anjali Bhaati in Dahaad, a gritty crime thriller where her character investigates a string of mysterious disappearances. Anjali is a woman navigating gender bias, caste prejudice, and the harsh realities of small-town policing, and Sonakshi embodies her with understated strength. Instead of relying on dramatics, she plays Anjali with quiet determination, allowing moments of vulnerability to reveal the emotional stakes of her work. Her interactions with the community and her male colleagues highlight the systemic challenges she faces, yet she never loses her sense of justice or empathy. Sonakshi’s grounded performance makes Anjali relatable and deeply human, transforming the character into a symbol of perseverance. In Dahaad, she proves that a cop need not be loud or larger-than-life to be powerful—sometimes resolve itself roars.
Karishma Tanna – Hush Hush
Raveena Tandon – Aranyak
In Aranyak, the iconic actress stunned everyone by playing a morally upright officer, Kasturi Dogra. Celebrated for her versatility and her incredible range, Raveena Tandon impressed the audience by serving a performance so intense that it powered the whodunit thriller series!
Kareena Kapoor Khan – The Buckingham Murders
Kareena Kapoor Khan switches from her glamorous outing to play Inspector Jass Bhamra in The Buckingham Murders, stepping into the role of a grieving cop who moves to another town to investigate the disappearance of a missing child. The actress steps into a seriously mature character and casts an impression by justifying it with conviction.
Shefali Shah – Delhi Crime
A role that’s crafted rarely! Shefali Shah steps into the character of DCP Vartika Chaturvedi in Delhi Crime, who is tasked with finding the culprits responsible for the gang rape of a female victim. Celebrated for her intensity, Shefali Shah does not disappoint as DCP Vartika Chaturvedi. Infact, she excels in each frame and proves that the role was tailor-made for her.