Deepika Padukone’s Fighter to Yami Gautam's Article 370, Actresses who played strong characters on screen
From timeless classics to contemporary blockbusters, Indian cinema has celebrated women who inspire, challenge norms, and redefine strength. Whether it’s Kangana Ranaut’s fierce portrayal in Queen, or Alia Bhatt’s power-packed act in Raazi, these films showcase courage, determination, and the unyielding spirit of women. This Independence Day, revisit these unforgettable performances and stories that empower and uplift.
Yami Gautam – A Thursday (2022) In A Thursday, Yami Gautam delivered a career-defining performance as Naina Jaiswal, a seemingly ordinary kindergarten teacher who takes 16 children hostage. The film unfolds as a gripping psychological thriller, revealing Naina’s traumatic past as a sexual assault survivor and the extreme measures she takes to demand justice. Yami masterfully balanced vulnerability, anger, and cold calculation, keeping audiences on edge throughout. Her layered portrayal ensured the film wasn’t just a hostage drama, but a hard-hitting social commentary.
2/10
Deepika Padukone – Fighter (2024) Deepika Padukone soared as Squadron Leader Minal Rathore in Fighter, a high-octane aerial action drama directed by Siddharth Anand. The film follows an elite Indian Air Force unit that comes together after a deadly terrorist attack. Deepika’s role demanded both physical prowess in intense combat and flying sequences, as well as emotional depth in moments of camaraderie, loss, and patriotism. Her chemistry with the ensemble cast and commanding screen presence made her performance a standout in this blend of military grit and human emotion.
3/10
Yami Gautam – Article 370 (2024) Based on true events surrounding the historic abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir, Yami Gautam’s portrayal of intelligence officer Zooni Haksar is one of her most powerful performances. The film navigates tense political undercurrents and covert operations, with Yami’s character at the forefront of the mission. Her sharp dialogue delivery, steely determination, and ability to convey the moral complexities of national duty gave the film its emotional backbone.
4/10
Alia Bhatt – Raazi (2018) Meghna Gulzar’s Raazi, adapted from Harinder Singh Sikka’s Calling Sehmat, saw Alia Bhatt embody the role of Sehmat Khan, a young Kashmiri woman who marries a Pakistani military officer to spy for India during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Alia captured Sehmat’s internal struggle — torn between love and loyalty to her country — with remarkable subtlety. The film’s climax, where personal sacrifice meets national service, remains one of Alia’s most memorable cinematic moments.
Priyanka Chopra – Mary Kom (2014) In this biographical sports drama, Priyanka Chopra took on the challenging role of Indian boxing champion Mary Kom. Directed by Omung Kumar, the film chronicles her journey from a small village in Manipur to becoming a world champion, overcoming societal hurdles, personal struggles, and gender biases. Priyanka’s intense physical transformation and emotional performance brought authenticity to the inspiring tale of perseverance and national pride.
6/10
Kangana Ranaut – Tejas (2023) As Wing Commander Tejas Gill, Kangana Ranaut portrayed an Indian Air Force pilot who embarks on daring missions to protect the nation. The film blends high-stakes action with a personal narrative about identity, gender equality, and the emotional toll of military life. Kangana’s performance combined steely resolve with moments of quiet vulnerability, making Tejas an empowering story about women breaking barriers in the armed forces.
7/10
Sonam Kapoor – Neerja (2016) Sonam Kapoor delivered a career-best performance as Neerja Bhanot, the brave flight attendant who sacrificed her life to save passengers during the 1986 Pan Am Flight 73 hijacking in Karachi. The film, directed by Ram Madhvani, is a gripping tribute to Neerja’s heroism. Sonam’s sensitive portrayal captured both the fear and the selfless courage of a young woman who became a national icon.
8/10
Kangana Ranaut – Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (2019) Kangana Ranaut brought history to life as Rani Lakshmi Bai, the legendary queen who led her army against British rule during the Revolt of 1857. The film’s large-scale battle sequences and stirring speeches were elevated by Kangana’s commanding performance, blending regal poise with unyielding bravery. Manikarnika is both a historical epic and a celebration of women warriors in India’s freedom struggle.
Janhvi Kapoor – Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020) Janhvi Kapoor stepped into the shoes of Flight Lieutenant Gunjan Saxena, one of India’s first female combat pilots, who played a crucial role during the Kargil War in 1999. The film portrays her determination to break gender stereotypes and serve the nation, despite facing resistance in a male-dominated environment. Janhvi’s understated yet sincere performance struck a chord with audiences, making it an inspiring tale of grit and ambition.
10/10
Taapsee Pannu – Naam Shabana (2017) In this spin-off to Baby, Taapsee Pannu played Shabana Khan, a young woman recruited into a secret intelligence agency. The film follows her transformation from a wronged civilian seeking justice to a trained spy on a dangerous mission. Taapsee impressed with her intense action sequences, disciplined physicality, and the emotional depth she brought to a character torn between personal revenge and professional duty.
