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From Alia Bhatt to Vidya Balan: Bollywood's strongest female leads

Portraying a strong female character on screen takes grit, depth, and nuance—something only a few actresses truly master. These roles go beyond performance, inspiring audiences and empowering women through bold, authentic storytelling.

Entertainment desk | July 07, 2025 / 14:23 IST
1/5
It's never too late to rediscover oneself, as demonstrated by Sridevi's portrayal of a housewife who defied the trend and studied English. Her persona provided women with unwavering inspiration to advocate for themselves and embrace the importance of marriage and motherhood. It was a lovely path of self-acceptance and self-discovery.
It's never too late to rediscover oneself, as demonstrated by Sridevi's portrayal of a housewife who defied the trend and studied English. Her persona provided women with unwavering inspiration to advocate for themselves and embrace the importance of marriage and motherhood. It was a lovely path of self-acceptance and self-discovery.
2/5
Taapsee's character, a housewife as well, demonstrated the value of self-respect by filing for divorce after her husband slapped her. Taapsee brings something special to every role, and this one was no different. She depicted a strong woman who will not accept violence as normal, regardless of how minor it may appear to the public.
Taapsee's character, a housewife as well, demonstrated the value of self-respect by filing for divorce after her husband slapped her. Taapsee brings something special to every role, and this one was no different. She depicted a strong woman who will not accept violence as normal, regardless of how minor it may appear to the public.
3/5
As Shivani Shivaji Roy, Rani played a fierce and courageous senior inspector. Not only did she deliver a brilliant performance, but she also redefined how female cops are portrayed on screen. Her role showcased strength, resilience, and the determination of a woman fighting against all odds.
As Shivani Shivaji Roy, Rani played a fierce and courageous senior inspector. Not only did she deliver a brilliant performance, but she also redefined how female cops are portrayed on screen. Her role showcased strength, resilience, and the determination of a woman fighting against all odds.
4/5
Alia portrayed a modest Kathiawad girl who is coerced into prostitution and goes on to become a significant player in Bombay's red-light district. She won a National Award for her performance, which gave a character that is rarely given such in-depth attention dignity, strength, and emotion. Every woman who watches Gangubai's story feels empowered and confident.
Alia portrayed a modest Kathiawad girl who is coerced into prostitution and goes on to become a significant player in Bombay's red-light district. She won a National Award for her performance, which gave a character that is rarely given such in-depth attention dignity, strength, and emotion. Every woman who watches Gangubai's story feels empowered and confident.
5/5
Silk, played by Vidya, is a strong, independent, and defiant woman who leaves her small town to follow her dream of becoming an actress. She broke social expectations about how women should be viewed and was unrepentant in her sexuality. Her unafraid performance was revolutionary and inspiring.
Silk, played by Vidya, is a strong, independent, and defiant woman who leaves her small town to follow her dream of becoming an actress. She broke social expectations about how women should be viewed and was unrepentant in her sexuality. Her unafraid performance was revolutionary and inspiring.

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