We’re thankful to Bollywood for the masala movies, its art-house flicks, the action-packed scenes and the escapism it provides us. But most of all, we’re grateful to the movies for giving us women of substance – ones who have had the gumption to take up roles beyond their comfort zone. While women have always been an integral part of cinema, lately several actresses have blown us away with their bold acts on screen. BB takes you through some of them.

bollywoods boldest female performances 430x550

Kangana Ranaut

We’ll never tire of watching Queen. The reason? Nothing but Kangana Ranaut. The movie taught us so much about girl power, self-discovery, about standing out in a male dominated society and most importantly, about finding happiness. She was courageous, comical and heart-touching in her role as Rani. We don’t know about you but we think only a Ranaut could have pulled off a nuanced character like that. After all, the girl just won a National Award for the film too!

boldest female performancesanushka sharma 430x550

Anushka Sharma

Can we have a round of applause for Anushka Sharma, please? Agreed that we don’t see her in every other movie but when we do, she shines and how! The girl made her debut as a producer this year with NH10 and the fabulous result is for all to see. Not only did she emerge triumphant as a producer but she wowed us with her act – something she did fearlessly and with utmost conviction in an edgy film like this. Take a bow, Miss Sharma!

bollywoods boldest female performances rani mukerjee 430x550

Rani Mukerjee

It has been over a decade since Rani came on to the Bollywood scene and boy does the experience reflect in her career choices or what! One to pick challenging roles, Rani seamlessly becomes her movie character and plays it with all her effort. She did just that when she played the lady cop in Mardaani. As expected, she emerged no less than a hero in this gritty thriller. What can we say, Rani just knows how to rule our hearts!

bollywoods boldest female performances priyanka chopra 430x550

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra has shown us time and again that she can wow you with her acting chops. So we weren’t surprised when she did an amazing job at playing Mary Kom. A biopic is never an easy task but PeeCee being the powerful performer that she is, did complete justice to the role. From the physical transformation to a thunderous performance, she owned the role in every way. And even though the flick didn’t bring much moolah to the table, it is Priyanka who will always be remembered for this movie.