Women’s Day Special: Actresses Who Redefined Strength On-screen – Alia Bhatt, Kriti Sanon, Bhumi Pednekar And More!
As we celebrate Women’s Day, it’s the perfect time to acknowledge and appreciate the women in cinema who have portrayed powerful and inspiring characters on screen. Janhvi Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kriti Sanon, Samantha, and Bhumi Pednekar have all taken on roles that break stereotypes, redefine resilience, and amplify the voices of strong women in Indian cinema.
Here let’s take a look at how these talented actresses have contributed to bringing compelling female narratives to life.
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Women’s Day Special: Actresses Who Redefined Strength On-screen – 1) Alia Bhatt:
Alia Bhatt has time and again proven that she is one of the most versatile actresses of her generation. In Highway (2014), Alia stunned audiences with her portrayal of a young woman on a journey of self-discovery after being kidnapped, marking one of the most nuanced performances of her career.
In Raazi (2018), she portrayed an Indian spy who marries a Pakistani family, delivering a gripping performance that balanced patriotism with personal conflict. Her transformation into Gangubai Kathiawadi in Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) was nothing short of mesmerizing, as she brought raw power and emotional depth to the story of a sex worker-turned-mafia queen.
Also, in last year’s release ‘Jigra‘, Alia Bhatt plays the character of Satya Anand, a young woman fighting to rescue her brother, Ankur Anand, from a foreign prison.
2) Janhvi Kapoor:
Janhvi Kapoor has proven her versatility by stepping into characters that showcase courage and resilience. In ‘Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl‘ (2020), she essayed the titular role of India’s first female Air Force officer to fly in a combat zone, embodying bravery and determination.
She followed it up with ‘Mili‘ (2023), a survival thriller where she portrayed a woman trapped in a freezer, fighting for her life against all odds. Janhvi Kapoor showcased strength and determination in ‘Mr. & Mrs. Mahi‘ (2024), portraying a strong character of Mahima. Her performance reflected the struggles and triumphs of a woman pursuing her passion despite the challenges in her path. Janhvi’s choices reflect a conscious effort to portray women who are strong, independent, and unyielding in the face of adversity.
Women’s Day Special: Actresses Who Redefined Strength On-screen – 3) Kriti Sanon:
Kriti Sanon has seamlessly blended vulnerability with strength in her film choices. In ‘Bareilly Ki Barfi‘ (2017) , she played a free-spirited, independent woman who challenges conventions. In ‘Mimi‘ (2021), she delivered an emotionally powerful performance as a surrogate mother, navigating societal expectations and personal dilemmas with courage. More recently, in Ganapath, Kriti took on an action-packed avatar, proving that women in cinema can be both fierce and formidable. Her commitment to diverse roles highlights her ability to represent modern women who refuse to be confined by societal norms.
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4) Bhumi Pednekar:
Bhumi Pednekar has built a reputation for taking on socially relevant and empowering roles. In ‘Dum Laga Ke Haisha‘ (2015), she played an overweight woman challenging societal beauty standards. In ‘Saand Ki Aankh‘ (2019), she transformed into one of India’s oldest sharpshooters, breaking age and gender stereotypes. Films like ‘Toilet: Ek Prem Katha‘ (2017) and Bala further showcased her commitment to stories that spotlight real issues faced by women.
Women’s Day Special: Actresses Who Redefined Strength On-screen – 5) Samantha Ruth Prabhu:
Samantha Ruth Prabhu has consistently chosen roles that challenge traditional gender norms and empower women. In ‘Oh! Baby‘ (2019), she showcased a woman’s journey of self-discovery in a unique and entertaining way. Her portrayal of Raji in ‘The Family Man 2‘ (2021) was a masterclass in intensity, where she played a Tamil rebel fighter with conviction and ferocity.
‘Yashoda‘ (2022) saw her take on the role of a surrogate mother caught in a web of deceit, where she displayed immense strength and resilience. Samantha’s ability to bring complexity and depth to her characters makes her one of the most powerful performers in Indian cinema today.
These actresses – Alia Bhatt, Janhvi Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Bhumi Pednekar and Samantha Ruth Prabhu – have each brought to life characters that inspire, challenge stereotypes, and redefine female strength in Indian cinema.
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