International Women's Day: 10 Most Powerful Characters Portrayed in Bollywood

Cinema has always been a little bias towards male characters but the recent shift in the presentation of women characters is worth applauding. Gone are those days when women were depicted as the submissive second fiddles. Now, a leading lady can carry the entire film on her shoulders without having the eyebrows raised and questions asked.

This women's day, let us look at some of the most powerful Bollywood characters portrayed in the recent times.

Anushka Sharma in NH10

Most people around the globe consider female to be the weaker gender but Anushka's character in NH10 changes the notion of girls giving up soon.

Richa Chadha in Fukrey

This movie is breaking the norm of women working for men, Bholi is the character ruling with her own sword in a male-dominated world. Richa's character is funny, quirky and strong at the same time.

Rani Mukherjee in Mardaani

In this movie, Rani plays a character of an inspector who is strong enough to pack a punch and even to drill the case to find the culprit. The movie also shows how women are always taken for granted but Rani's character breaks this entire myth.

Sayani Gupta in Margarita With a Straw

Being Sayani's debut film, it was an unconventional choice to portray a lesbian love interest to Kalki Koechlin.

Sridevi in English Vinglish

This movie was inspired by the director's mother, it is a story of a housewife played by Sridevi who wants to learn English and joins an English speaking course to stop getting derided by her family for having poor English. Sridevi's portrayal of a an amicable mother struck the right chord.

Taapsee Pannu in Pink

No means no - and Shoojit Sircar's Pink shows no qualms in making that clear. The character played by Taapsee in the film inspired women to never give up or to shy away from anything that comes across.

Vidya Balan on Kahaani

A pregnant lady in search of her husband - Vidya's character broke too many stereotypes in just one go.

Kangana Raut in Queen

A story of an innocent girl turning into a liberated woman - Kangana's Rani character travelled places and inspired others to break free from the stereotypical notions.

Madhuri Dixit in Gulab Gang

Madhuri plays a very vital role, of a woman coming from a rural area, who fights for the right causes including domestic violence, dowry system and more.

Alia Bhat in Highway

Alia plays a character who rises up against all odds. She finds a way out from a grave situation that not many people do.