11 Badass Female Characters That Changed Bollywood

This article was originally written by Mariam Khan on MangoBaaz.com

From item-song choreography to one-dimensional characters, it is not untrue to claim that movie industries across the globe reinforce some of the worst gender stereotypes one has ever viewed. On the other hand, there are movies that just get it right!

Here are the 11 awesome movies from India, showcasing real badass women decimating the cliched perception of Bollywood.

  1. Bhajrangi Bhaijaan

The movie’s central character Shahida has both Pakistan and India buzzing with adoration these days. Through her character’s innocence, humor and charm, Harshaali Malhotra, has captivated audiences across the two neighboring countries teaching us that love has no boundaries.

bajrangi-story_647_072115104229


  1. Mother India

The effervescent Nargis plays a wife, mother, and provider for the family by slaving hard to pay off loans despite repeated tragedies and setbacks. The actress deftly illustrates the epitome of Indian motherhood.

Photo credit: Tumblr

Photo credit: Tumblr


  1. Queen

A traditional girl gets dumped on her wedding day, uses her honeymoon tickets to Europe to seek out her ex- fiancé, instead makes new friends and gains a whole new perspective on life and love.

tumblr_nooeokbufz1qczeeoo2_500 tumblr_nooeokbufz1qczeeoo3_500 tumblr_nooeokbufz1qczeeoo5_500 tumblr_nooeokbufz1qczeeoo6_500 tumblr_nooeokbufz1qczeeoo8_500

Photo credit: Tumblr


  1. Bobby Jason

Vidya Balan charms her audience as the brilliant Bilquees or “Bobby” with one dream in life to be a private detective. She is goofy, honest, and passionate about her work and protecting those in her world.

tumblr_inline_n8oxelo5vr1qjnfe7

Photo Credit: Tumblr


  1. Lajja

Madhuri Dixit plays Janki, puts her life on the line for her lover who abandons their relationship because of social conventions. She questions his motives in a climatic speech in the middle of a performance.

tumblr_nmohtwgUpg1ta7y6bo1_1280 tumblr_nmohtwgUpg1ta7y6bo2_1280 tumblr_nmohtwgUpg1ta7y6bo3_1280tumblr_nmohtwgUpg1ta7y6bo4_1280 tumblr_nmohtwgUpg1ta7y6bo5_1280 tumblr_nmohtwgUpg1ta7y6bo6_500tumblr_nmohtwgUpg1ta7y6bo8_1280

 

Photo Credit: Tumblr


  1. Dil Chata Hai

Tara, played by the graceful Dimple Kapadia, is an older divorced woman who is looked down upon by the community. Her ex-husband is a stereotypical man with a patriarchal mindset who does not let their daughter meet her, leaving Kapadia isolated from her family and society.

Photo credits: YouTube

Photo credit: YouTube


  1. Raincoat

Aishwariya as Neeru is a beautiful woman living in abject despair and poverty, yet puts up an appearance of living a great life in front of an old flame.

tumblr_lmj32gZjW91qe7zhro1_400

Photo credit: Tumblr


  1. Pk

Anushka Sharma as Jaggu is a spirited journalist – passionate about her job and unafraid to speak her mind.

tumblr_nogb3mW0Al1unqx0xo2_r1_500

Photo Credit: Tumblr


  1. Chameli

Kareena Kapoor completely transforms herself into a street-smart prostitute, who is full of snappy one-liners, charm and wit. The character Chameli shows an honest view of life as a sex-worker.

Photo Credits: Tumblr

Photo Credit: Tumblr


  1. No One Killed Jessica

Rani Mukherjee as Meera is a brave journalist who never backs down from a fight, ready to throw out cuss words. Her investigative reporting in the end creates social awareness and brings justice for the murder of Jessica Lal.

tumblr_mj7i56X5Z51rkmob2o1_500 tumblr_mj7i56X5Z51rkmob2o2_500

 

Photo Credit: Tumblr


  1. Kahaani

Vidya Balan plays Vidya Bagchi, a super-agent who avenges her husband’s death in the most unconventional disguise, fights assassins and other big criminals in the streets of Calcutta.

tumblr_mzbsjoQ9yh1r3ogywo2_400 tumblr_mzbsjoQ9yh1r3ogywo4_250 tumblr_mzbsjoQ9yh1r3ogywo8_r2_250 tumblr_mzbsjoQ9yh1r3ogywo9_r2_250

Photo credit: Tumblr

Share This:

Categories
CultureEntertainmentInternational

RELATED BY