From Priyanka Chopra in Barfi to Nimrat Kaur in The Lunchbox: Celebrating Women’s Powerful Portrayals

By Umesh M

| Published: Saturday, March 8, 2025, 12:09 [IST]

On Women’s Day, we celebrate Bollywood actresses like Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, and Nimrat Kaur, who redefined female portrayals with powerful characters in films like Barfi, Gangubai Kathiawadi, and The Lunchbox, breaking societal stigmas and challenging norms.

1/5

Priyanka Chopra established herself as a versatile actress by playing the role of an autistic girl in 'Barfi'. From her dialect to her expressions and getting the behavior right to fulfill the character's demands, the actress justified her role to an extent that it did not come off as manufactured at all!

2/5

Alia Bhatt delivered a career-defining performance in her iconic film 'Gangubai Kathiawadi'. She played a fierce and rebellious woman who does not back down from fighting for herself and the rights of sex workers. In an industry that often shows women in glamorous avatars, Alia Bhatt broke the streak by bringing a daring role to the forefront.

3/5

In 'The Lunchbox', Nimrat Kaur stepped into the role of a middle-class housewife named Ila and highlighted the lives of housewives who are often seen as secondary, meek, obedient, and quiet. However, an accidental exchange of a tiffin creates a pathway for connection, emotional exchange, and validation that she found missing in her marital life. Through 'The Lunchbox', Nimrat Kaur highlighted how the emotional needs of women are often brushed under the carpet in Indian society.

4/5

Pratibha Ranta delivered a breakout performance 'Laapataa Ladies'. The actress portrayed a woman who prioritises her dreams and aspirations despite coming from a small-town family, which often gets a girl married at an early age. Beyond serving a standout performance, Pratibha Ranta's portrayal of Jaya is an eye-opener for every woman who aspires and dreams for herself.

5/5

Kriti Sanon played dual roles in 'Do Patti', a crime thriller that also revolves around domestic abuse. The actress showed a dark side of how women endure domestic violence. She also demonstrates a fierce and rebellious side of the feminine mind by fighting back, showcasing the balance of a female's ability to be softhearted and a no-nonsense personality. These actresses have given a new perspective on how women carry the ability to play complex characters, carry emotional depth, and define unconventional cinema.

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