Women of Bollywood that raised the spirits of womanhood through their roles

There's no denying that women have played a crucial role in Bollywood’s magnitude, reach and success, but what's also inspiring to note is how their significance is definitely increasing with time. The evolution of women characters in Bollywood has been truly remarkable in the past decade or so. Today, we throw light on the actors and leading ladies of Bollywood who have gone the extra mile and portrayed some iconic and moving roles, raising the bar of womanhood one movie at a time.

1. Vidya Balan in Kahaani

   
   A woman on a mission, this movie tells the story of a couple separated due to unforeseen circumstances. The story revolves around how Vidya Bagchi, the female lead, goes searching for her missing husband amidst utter confusion, chaos and a web of lies. The way the screenplay unfolds is commendable and worth-watching.

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

2. Kangana Ranaut in Queen

   
   The story of how a young woman who takes a rather different approach to life, upon being abandoned by her to-be husband on her wedding day. She takes complete charge of her life and begins that by travelling the world, single on her honeymoon, making life-long friends and  learning the essence of being free and living her life on her own terms. 

   
   

   
   

3. Deepika Padukone in Piku

   
   A coming-of-age tale about a responsible daughter and her ailing father and how she manoeuvres through life’s ups and downs to keep him hale and hearty. The story is a telling tale of how women and the nature of their responsibilities have greatly evolved in society.

   
   

     

4. Sonam Kapoor in Neerja

   
   Based on the true life-story and events of the brave Neerja Bhanot. The movie is an ode to women who truly excel and go beyond what's expected of them. The portrayal of a flight purser who is facing the odds of the flight she’s serving, being hijacked and how she gives up her life to protect the people aboard, is stunning to say the least.

   
   

   
   

5. Priyanka Chopra in Mary Kom

   
   A biographical sports drama based on the life of the celebrated champion and boxer Mary Kom, the movie is a lesson in unimaginable grit and determination. How the journey to become a winner is never easy. 

   
   

   
   

6. Taapsee Pannu in Thappad

   
   Amrita, the lead character of the movie, is at crossroads in her life, when she is dumbfounded on being hit by her own husband. A story that voices the very important social subject of domestic violence has been very skillfully portrayed by the actor.

   
   

    

7. Deepika Padukone in Chhapaak

   
   The A-list actor who also co-produced this biographical drama based on the life of acid-attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal did a stellar job of bringing out the raw emotions of a girl who is deeply wronged by a jealous person. Her fight for justice has been very well depicted in the movie.

   
   

   
   

How Bollywood has truly transformed over the years and how women are being accurately depicted in a multitude of roles is both inspirational and heartening. Watch these movies to learn more about the untold stories of women and their dauntless spirit.