Female actors in Bollywood are really proving their mettle as artists. They aren’t just “a pretty face” in a “hero ki picture” anymore and we’re finally in a time where powerful roles are being written for women in cinema. While some movies this year put women at the centre of their narrative, others gave us stoic female characters in stories that weren’t even necessarily about them.
1. Radhika Apte – Badlapur
What a year for Radhika! She’s definitely my girl-crush this year and between Badlapur, Hunterr and Manjhi – I don’t know for sure which my fave version of Radhika is.
2. Bhumi Pednekar – Dum Laga Ke Haisha
Debut of the year, hands down! Bhumi came into our lives as Sandhya in Dum Laga Ke Haisha and made us fall in love with the fact that her weight was incidental to her character and not central to it. Of course her post-movie transformation was a talking point all year, but she’s gone on record to say that she has no qualms about putting on weight if the role demands it.
3. Anushka Sharma – NH 10
Anushka turned producer this year with the rather ambitious NH10. Her performance kept you at the edge of the seat throughout and it was amazing to see her as the “hero” of the film!
4. Kalki Koechlin – Margarita With A Straw
Kalki is known to be a “hungry actor” who is always willing to give her all in each performance. No one else could’ve played her role in the film like she did.
5. Priyanka Chopra – Bajirao Mastani
I loved PC’s performance in Bajirao Mastani and she proved that she was in no way second to Deepika in the film!
6. Deepika Padukone – EVERYTHING
Started with Piku, went on to do Tamasha and ended the year fabulously with Bajirao Mastani. Deepika has had yet another glorious year and I know now for sure – Deepika can do no wrong!
7. Kangana Ranaut – Tanu Weds Manu Returns
Man, Kangana has really been in great form of late. Not only did she reprise Tanu’s role, she gave us Datto – and we’ll forever be indebted to her for that.
8. Shefali Shah – Dil Dhadakne Do
Dil Dhadakne Do is basically proof that Shefali Shah needs to do more films! PLEASE!
9. Richa Chadha – Masaan
Richa Chadha has proven herself as a nuanced performer one too many times for us be surprised anymore. Don’t you think?
10. Tabu – Drishyam
My love affair with Tabu goes way back. So obviously enough, I get damn excited and fan-girly each time a Tabu movie releases.
Special mentions
- Konkona Sen Sharma (Talvar)
- Nushrat Bharucha (Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2)
- Sanah Kapur (Shandaar)
- Shweta Tripathi (Masaan)
Who was your fave? Tell me in the comments below!
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