Bollywood has seen several actresses take on bold roles pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. Here are some actresses who have made significant impacts with their bold choices. These actresses have shown that taking bold steps in their careers can lead to powerful and memorable performances and expand the scope of Indian cinema. Let’s take a look.
Nandita Das: Fire (1996)
Nandita Das played a lesbian character in Fire, one of the first mainstream Indian films to depict a same-sex relationship. Directed by Deepa Mehta it is ab Indian -canadian film that sparked controversy and debates, but Nandita’s performance was widely praised for its sensitivity and courage. The film is a landmark in Indian cinema for the portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes.
Mallika Sherawat: Murder (2004)
Mallika Sherawat’s role in Murder was groundbreaking. It was an erotic thriller film directed by Anurag Basu. The film took attention for its explicit content and bold scenes. The film was a turning point for Indian cinema and Mallika’s portrayal of Simran was bold and daring.
Vidya Balan: The Dirty Picture (2011)
Vidya Balan made a bold choice by taking up the role of Silk Smitha in The Dirty Picture. Directed by Milan Luthria it was an Indian biographical musical drama. Vidya was both provocative and fearless in this film. And she confidently embraced the character, breaking away from traditional depictions of women in Indian cinema.
Sunny Leone: Jism 2 (2012), Ragini MMS 2 (2014)
Sunny Leone’s entry into Bollywood was quite bold. She is known as one of the most sensual females in Bollywood. She took up bold roles in Jism 2 directed by Pooja Bhatt. and Ragini MMS 2 produced by Bhushan Patel. Both “Jism 2” and “Ragini MMS 2” established Sunny Leone as a bold and unconventional actress in Bollywood. The film involved too bold scenes and themes of sensuality.
Kangana Ranaut: Rangoon (2017), Queen (2013)
This war drama film directed by Vishal Bhardwaj witnessed Kangana taking up the bold role and a strong, independent character. In the other film Queen, directed by Vikas Bahl. She played a woman who goes on her honeymoon alone showcasing a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Her bold choices gave intensity to both these films.
Radhika Apte: Parched (2015), Lust Stories (2018)
Radhika Apte has consistently chosen roles that explore complex female characters. She appeared in Parched which is set in a remote desert village in Rajasthan. She played a woman dealing with sexual repression. And in Lust Stories, she portrayed a teacher exploring her sexuality, pushing the boundaries of traditional narratives. Lust Stories consisted of four short stories And Radhika Apte was featured in the segment directed by Anurag Kashyap.
Swara Bhasker: Veere Di Wedding (2018)
Swara Bhasker appeared in this female buddy comedy film directed by Shashanka Ghosh. Her character in Veere Di Wedding had a controversial masturbation scene that led to significant public discussion. Swara’s portrayal of a woman exploring her sexuality was seen as a bold statement in Indian cinema. Her role was a memorable one in this contemporary and vibrant film.
Bhumi Pednekar: Lust Stories (2018)
In Lust Stories, Bhumi Pednekar plays a domestic helper named Sudha who engages in a sexual relationship with her employer. The role involved intimate scenes and sexual dynamics in a raw and realistic manner. Her performance was one of the standout elements.
Aditi Rao Hydari: Wazir (2016)
Aditi has taken on roles that explore deep emotional and physical connections. Her film Wazir was a thriller film directed by Bejoy Nambiar. It involves intense and passionate characters that break away from conventional storytelling. Hydari’s role in “Wazir” may not be called traditionally “bold” in the sense of physical or sexual daring, but it is bold in its emotional intensity.
Deepika Padukone: Gehraiyaan (2022)
Directed by Shakun Batra Gehraiyaan was a romantic drama film starring Deepika Padukone. The actress crossed all limits. She took on a role that involved complex emotions and relationships, including extramarital affairs. Her portrayal of a woman struggling with her desires was too bold. Padukone’s fearless performance contributes to Indian cinema.
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