Before Alia Bhatt’s Alpha, These Bollywood Divas Nailed Powerful Action Roles

In the upcoming action spectacle Alpha (2026), Alia Bhatt makes her powerful entry into the YRF Spy Universe as Sita, a ruthless and highly trained elite operative. Directed by Shiv Rawail, the film presents a darker and edgier tone, showcasing Bhatt in a full-fledged action avatar. Breaking away from conventional glamour, she takes on a fierce, weaponized assassin role, marking a bold new chapter in her career.

In the blockbuster Tiger franchise, Tiger Zinda Hai (2017), Tiger 3 (2023), and the upcoming Tiger vs Pathaan, Katrina Kaif plays Zoya Humaimi-Singh, a former ISI agent and one of Bollywood’s most iconic female action characters. As a fearless and highly skilled operative, she stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Salman Khan, redefining the role of women in action cinema and emerging as a central force in the YRF Spy Universe. 

In the high-octane film War 2 (2025), Kiara Advani steps into the YRF Spy Universe as Wing Commander Kavya Luthra, marking a bold shift from traditional roles to a fierce, action-driven character. As the daughter of Colonel Sunil Luthra, she plays a key role in the spy network while showcasing impressive combat skills. Advani underwent intense training for the role, delivering powerful action sequences, including gripping chases and a standout face-off with Hrithik Roshan’s Major Kabir.

In the 2022 action thriller Dhaakad, Kangana Ranaut plays Agent Agni, a fierce and highly trained undercover operative working for the International Task Force. Portrayed as a cold and lethal agent shaped by a traumatic past, she is on a mission to eliminate a powerful human trafficking kingpin. Ranaut underwent intense physical training in martial arts and weapon handling, delivering stylized, high-octane action sequences that positioned the film as a bold female-led spy thriller in Bollywood. 

In the 2023 blockbuster Pathaan, Deepika Padukone plays Rubina “Rubai” Mohsin, a former ISI agent who becomes a key ally to Shah Rukh Khan’s character in their mission against a rogue mercenary group. Portrayed as a fierce and enigmatic femme fatale, Rubai combines lethal skills with emotional depth, keeping her true motives intriguing. Padukone’s intense training and powerful action sequences added to the character’s impact, earning praise for her strength and screen presence.

In the Mardaani franchise (2014, 2019), Rani Mukerji delivers a powerful performance as Shivani Shivaji Roy, a fearless Senior Inspector in the Mumbai Police Crime Branch. Known for her no-nonsense attitude, she takes on brutal criminals, from dismantling a child trafficking cartel to hunting a dangerous serial offender. Mukerji’s realistic approach, backed by intensive Krav Maga training, adds authenticity to the action, making Shivani one of the most iconic female cop characters in Indian cinema.