International Women’s Day 2024: From ‘Bulbbul’ to ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, epic performances

Women in showbiz have delivered some epic performances in recent years. Here's a look at the ones that made the cut. 

Updated On: 2024-03-07 03:12 PM IST

Compiled by : Oshin Fernandes

Mardaani, Gangubai Kathiawadi, Bulbbul Pic/Film Posters

Helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' revolves around a maiden sold by a suitor into prostitution and how she becomes a prominent and celebrated figure in the underworld and Kamathipua red-light district. Alia's stellar performance in the film helped her bag the National Film Award for Best Actress. 

Actress Triptii Dimri garnered appreciation for her role in the film 'Bulbbul' which was released on Netflix during the pandemic. Backed by Anushka Sharma, the horror flick narrates the story of a demon woman. It sheds light on social evils like child marriage as well as the horrors of sexual assault. 

The 'Mardaani' franchise which came out with two films shows actress Rani Mukerji as policewoman Shivani Shivaji Roy who punishes those who commit crimes against women. Mardaani Part One was released in 2014 and in 2019 the film expanded with a sequel.

Helmed and written by Umesh Bist, the film revolves around a young woman, Sandhya (played by Sanya Malhotra), who has recently lost her husband and is now in search of her identity. Struggling to mourn as everyone around her expects her to grieve, all she can think of is binging on panipoori and a chilled cola. A life insurance agent walks into the house and reveals that her husband has left behind Rs 50 lakhs under his wife's name. As the family contemplates what to do next to keep their son's money within the family, Sandhya seems to have other plans. 

Helmed by Anubhav Sinha and starring Taapsee Pannu and Pavail Gulati in the lead, the film narrates the ordeal of women who face domestic violence. Amrita (Taapsee), who is a young woman, leading a content life with her husband, Vikram (Pavail). Her happiness is shattered when he slaps her at an office party causing her to file for a divorce.

Starring Kangna Ranaut in the lead, the movie proves that a woman can do anything with or without a man. Kangana portrays the role of Rani, who is devastated after her fiance (played by Rajkummar Rao) leaves her just before the wedding. Undeterred, she decides to go on their honeymoon alone where she gets pulled out of her comfort zone and rediscovers herself.

Late actress Sridevi's last film 'Mom' won her the 'Best Actress' award at the 65th National Film Awards in 2018 posthumously. The actress essayed a role of a purposeful mother, who vows to revenge for the rape of her step-daughter. 

In the film, Vidya Balan played the role of Vidya Bagchi, a pregnant woman searching for her missing husband in Kolkata. Actors Parambrata Chattopadhyay and Nawazuddin Siddiqui also played pivotal roles. The film also stars Saswata Chatterjee in the role of contract killer Bob Biswas, based on whom Abhishek Bachchan's 'Bob Biswas' was released in 2021.

Mary Kom is a sports biopic drama featuring Priyanka Chopra Jonas in the titular role. Directed by Omung Kumar the film traces the Indian boxer's journey from her childhood to motherhood and eventually securing the title of a champion. 

Based on a true story, actor Sonam Kapoor plays the role of Neerja, who was a flight attendant, who boarded Pan Am flight 73 in 1986. The film tells the story of Neerja and what happens when the flight is hijacked by terrorists. In the heart-touching biopic, Neerja risks her life to stall the terrorists from attacking the passengers on board.

(With inputs from ANI)

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