Breaking Barriers: How Alia Bhatt, Kangana Ranaut, Shraddha Kapoor and others redefined Indian cinema with female-led hits

Kalyani Priyadarshan – Lokah
Box Office: ₹200 crore+
Kalyani Priyadarshan did something no one had seen before: a female superhero in a regional film hitting blockbuster numbers. Lokah wasn’t just about stunts; Kalyani brought heart, grit, and relatability. Fans kept talking, “Finally, a heroine who can do it all.” And yes, she totally deserved the applause.

Alia Bhatt – Gangubai Kathiawadi
Box Office: ₹200 crore
Alia Bhatt’s Gangubai Kathiawadi was the kind of film where critics and audiences just agreed: she nailed it. Playing a strong, complicated woman in a male-dominated world, Alia didn’t just act—she embodied the character. The ₹200 crore worldwide haul? A cherry on top.

Shraddha Kapoor – Stree
Box Office: ₹201 crore
Shraddha Kapoor in Stree proved horror-comedy could be female-led and funny as hell. Her timing, expressions, and just her presence made the movie feel alive. People laughed, got scared, and walked out thinking, “Yeah, she carried that film.”

Vidya Balan – The Dirty Picture
Box Office: ₹100+ crore
Vidya Balan’s Silk Smitha is unforgettable. Bold, daring, unafraid. She drew crowds because she wasn’t just playing a role—she owned the screen. Many joked, “Vidya could sell ice to Antarctica,” and honestly, with The Dirty Picture, she almost did.

Kangana Ranaut – Queen
Box Office: ₹95 crore+
Kangana’s Queen is basically a guidebook for self-discovery. Watching her Rani travel alone, make mistakes, laugh, cry—it hit people right in the feels. The box office numbers were great, but the cultural impact? Even bigger.

Yami Gautam – Article 370
Box Office: ₹110 crore+
Yami Gautam took on a serious, high-stakes story in Article 370. She didn’t just act; she carried tension, politics, and emotion like a pro. Audiences appreciated a strong female lead handling a story usually dominated by men.

Sonam Kapoor – Neerja
Box Office: ₹135 crore+
Sonam Kapoor’s Neerja had everyone holding their breath. She brought quiet strength, fearlessness, and humanity to a tragic story. People weren’t just watching—they were feeling every moment with her.

Rani Mukerji – Hichki
Box Office: ₹209 crore+
Rani Mukerji’s teacher in Hichki inspired millions. Playing a character with Tourette’s, Rani showed how empathy and determination can make cinema both emotional and widely appealing. Big numbers, bigger hearts.

Zaira Wasim – Secret Superstar
Box Office: ₹900 crore+
And then there’s Zaira Wasim. Secret Superstar was more than a film; it was a phenomenon. She sang, she dreamed, she conquered hearts globally. ₹900 crore—yes, really—and she’s just getting started.