Women’s Day Special: Tabu, Alia Bhatt to Taapsee Pannu, Kriti Sanon to Kangana Ranaut – Actresses are changing narratives at the Box Office too
Indian cinema has undergone a remarkable shift over the past decade, particularly in the way women are portrayed on screen. The era where female characters existed largely on the sidelines is steadily giving way to stories where women lead the narrative with strength, complexity and individuality. Much of this transformation has been driven by actresses who have consistently chosen roles that challenge conventions and push storytelling forward.
With women-centric narratives finding its space at the Box Office and in cinema, Hindi cinema is no longer only a male-dominated space. Not content with just one-dimensional ‘heroine’ roles, many actresses are increasingly pushing the envelope and embracing the many shades of cinema across genres with aplomb! Making unconventional choices and bringing to life challenging layered characters, they are rewriting the story of women in cinema! And what better than the occasion of Women’s Day to celebrate these female forces of Indian cinema.
Check out the actresses leading the Charge with Women-Centric Plots in Films in recent times who continue to raise the bar by creating cinematic spaces of their own and shattering conventional boundaries one film at a time.
Tabu – Drishyam, Andhadhun
Tabu first paved the way for women-centric narratives in commercial cinema with Chandni Bar and Astitva and since then has inspired several other actresses to follow in her path. In Drishyam and Andhadhun reshapes women-centric narratives by portraying women who are powerful, morally complex, and unpredictable. Instead of traditional victim roles, her characters drive the plot with intelligence, authority, and calculated choices. Through these performances, Tabu challenges stereotypes and expands how female agency and gray morality are represented in mainstream Indian cinema.
Deepika Padukone – Piku, Padmaavat, Chhapaak
Deepika Padukone played the titular protagonist in Piku. As a strong-willed woman balancing her professional commitments and caring for her hypochondriac father, Deepika not only explored the complex but emotional relationship with her father but also laid emphasis on an independent daughter’s challenging journey. In her films like Padmaavat and others too, she shows the dynamic range of women power!
Alia Bhatt – Raazi, Gangubai Kathiawadi, Darlings, Jigra
Through films like Raazi, Gangubai Kathiawadi, Darlings, and Jigra, Alia Bhatt has consistently championed women-centric narratives that highlight resilience, agency, and emotional complexity. Her performances bring layered female protagonists to the forefront, reinforcing her role in shaping modern, powerful storytelling for women in Hindi cinema.
Vidya Balan – Kahaani, The Dirty Picture, Tumhari Sulu
With films like Kahaani, The Dirty Picture and Tumhari Sulu, Vidya Balan pushed forward the female protagonist in mainstream Hindi cinema. Her characters were unapologetically confident, layered and real, proving that audiences were ready to embrace women-led stories that stood strong on their own.
Triptii Dimri – Bulbbul & Qala
Triptii Dimri attached new meaning to the heroine of today by making fine choices like Bulbbul and Qala, landmark projects in her filmography. In Bulbbul, she played the titular character, supernaturally helping women in her village fight injustice. In Qala, she depicted the contrasting feelings between success and the conflicts of the past.
Yami Gautam – HAQ
In 2025, Yami Gautam shouldered HAQ, a film that follows a woman’s legal battle for maintenance rights after being abandoned and divorced by her husband via triple talaq. As a protagonist, Yami shows Shazia’s personal struggles and how it evolves into a national debate on faith and women’s rights.
Kangana Ranaut – Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, Queen, Tanu Weds Manu
Through films like Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, Queen, and Tanu Weds Manu, Kangana Ranaut has portrayed fiercely independent women who challenge societal expectations and embrace their individuality. Her performances celebrate self-discovery, courage, and unapologetic female agency, making these films strong examples of women-centric storytelling in Hindi cinema.
Taapsee Pannu – Thappad, Assi, Pink, Haseen Dillruba
Through films like Thappad, Pink, and Haseen Dillruba, Taapsee Pannu has consistently portrayed women who question injustice and assert their dignity. Her performances highlight consent, self-respect, and emotional strength, reinforcing powerful women-centric narratives in contemporary Hindi cinema.
Kriti Sanon – Do Patti, Mimi
Kriti Sanon anchored a bold narrative first with Mimi and then with Do Patti, a thriller mystery that revolves around themes of patriarchy, domestic abuse and generational trauma. As a successful actress who continues her quest to explore, Kriti Sanon served a must-watch with Do Patti and delivered a performance that continues to be one of her finest.
Bhumi Pednekar – Bhakshak
Bhumi Pednekar aces her role with a gripping, layered portrayal of a determined journalist, balancing vulnerability with fierce resolve. Her restrained intensity and emotional authenticity make the film’s investigative journey feel raw, powerful, and deeply human.
Rani Mukerji – Mardaani 3
Rani Mukerji commands the screen in Mardaani 3, bringing back Shivani Shivaji Roy with steely determination and fearless intensity. Her powerful presence and emotional grit make the fight for justice feel urgent, raw, and deeply compelling.
Nushrratt Bharuccha – Chhorii, Chhorii 2, Akelli
Actors like Nushrratt Bharuccha have also embraced narratives that place women at the center of intense and courageous journeys. In films like Akelli and the horror drama Chhorii — along with its sequel Chhorii 2 — she portrays women confronting fear, injustice and survival against overwhelming odds. These stories highlight resilience and determination, reinforcing the growing space for powerful female protagonists who drive the narrative with strength and conviction.
Sanya Malhotra – Mrs, Kathal
Another actor contributing significantly to this movement is Sanya Malhotra. With her performance in Mrs, she continues to explore layered characters that challenge societal expectations and highlight the inner strength of everyday women.
Pratibha Ranta – Laapataa Ladies & Accused
Laapataa Ladies, Pratibha Ranta’s finest creation so far! The actress brought resilience and strength in showcasing a small-town woman willing to walk the path of ambition and not let marriage bind her. Pratibha is also basking in the success of her latest OTT release, Accused, wherein she steps into the shoes of a lesbian and navigates the dynamics of a queer relationship.
Fatima Sana Shaikh – Dhak Dhak
Fatima Sana Shaikh, known for her off-beat screen choices, surprised audiences by ditching the glam with Dhak Dhak and portraying a headstrong woman who embarks on a road trip of a lifetime to the highest mountain pass in the world in Ladakh. With this, Fatima added a striking tangent to her filmography and earned applause for pulling off a bold, female-centric narrative.