The entertainment industry has gifted us many stories of inspiring women over the decades. Today on the occasion of International Womens Day let's revisit some of these iconic female characters of recent times played by leading actresses from various industries. These characters break boundaries and shatter stereotypes to motivate the audience with their inspiring stories. Let's celebrate this International Women's Day with incredible ladies of cinema.

Inspiring Female Characters Of Indian Cinema On The Occasion Of  International Women's Day :

Queen Padmavati Played By Deepika Padukone (Padmaavat 2018)

Directed by ace director Sanjay Leela Bhansali Padmaavat is based on a well-known piece of literature written by Sufi poet Mallik Muhammad Jayasi. It's about a metaphorical tale of Delhi Sultan Alauddin Khalji who desires to see the beauty of the Queen of Chittor Rani Padmavati. In the movie, Deepika Padukone plays the character of Queen Padmavati. Deepika's Queen Padmavati was one of the strongest historical characters represented on screen. One of the particular scenes from the movie where Queen Padmavati proceeds for a Jauhar (Hindu Rajput ritual of mass self-sacrifice by females) will give you goosebumps. The particular scene showcases how strong and self-respecting Queen Padmavati was. The way Deepika has portrayed the character; many scenes from the movie will give you goosebumps.

Gangubai Played By Alia Bhatt (Gangubai Kathiawadi 2022)

Released in 2022 Gangubai Kathiawadi is a movie based on real life story. It features Alia Bhatt in the character of Gangubai Harjeevndas who was a prostitute, madam of a brothel and social activist. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali this woman-led movie was quite a hit. Alia's portrayal of Gangubai was one of her best performances on screen. She also won the National Award for Gangubai Kathiawadi in 2021.

Vidya Bagchi Played By Vidya Balan (Kahaani 2012)

Kahaani narrates the story of a pregnant woman who travels to Kolkata during the famous Durga Pooja from London in search of her missing husband. This movie breaks many stereotypes and cliches surrounding pregnancy. Featuring Vidya Balan in Lead Kahaani was very well received by the audience. Vidya gave the strongest performance in the movie. The movie was directed by Sujoy Ghosh.

Shashi Played By Sridevi (English Vinglish 2012)

English Vinglish is a comedy-drama released in 2012 that features legendary actress Sridevi in the lead. The storyline of English Vinglish is very inspiring at the same time emotional and heartwarming. It narrates Shashi's journey towards independence and self-confidence. Shashi is a housewife and small entrepreneur who sells sweets. Her fight towards gaining respect and individuality in her family is a true nuance of English Vinglish. Another special element of this movie is that it is directed by female director Gauri Shinde.

Sehmat Played By Alia Bhatt (Raazi 2018)

Directed by Meghna Gulzar Raazi is a movie that celebrates nationalism. The movie is an adoption of Harinder Sikka's novel 'Calling Sehmat.' the character played by Alia Bhatt is a RAW agent who gets married into a family from Pakistan to provide information to India during the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971. Alia Bhatt again portrays a strong character on screen which was allowed and appreciated by many. 

Shivani Shivaji Roy Played By Rani Mukerji (Mardaani 2014)

Mardaani is an action thriller movie directed by Pradeep Sarkar. The movie revolves around the true story of drug racket and child trafficking. Rani Mukerji plays the lead role of Shivani Shivaji Roy who is a crime branch officer investigating the case of an orphan going missing from an NGO. The action sequences done by Rani will leave you impressed. The strength and intensity she brought to the character were truly praiseworthy. 

Amrita Played By Taapsee Pannu (Thappad 2020)

The 2020 drama movie Thappad features a story of a one eye opening incident from the life of Amrita played by Taapsee Pannu. A single slap from her husband opens her eyes and makes her realise how she has lost herself in her marriage. The story aims to inspire women not to lose themselves and their respect to please their families. Thappad was one of the most appreciated movies of Taapsee done a great job playing Amrita on screen. May it be the emotions she brought to the story or the rigidness of Amrita's self-esteem she gave a noteworthy performance. Anubhav Sinha is the director of Thappad.

Neerja Played By Sonam Kapoor (Neerja 2016)

Released in 2016 Neerja is a biographical drama based on the life of chief flight attendant Neerja Bhanot. Neerja is directed by Ram Madhavani. The movie revolves around an accident that led Neerja to lose her life. In 1986 a Pan AM flight 73 was hijacked in Karachi. Neeraj was the chief flight attendant on this plane. While trying to help passengers and crew she lost her life. Neerja was Sonam Kapoor till date best performance on screen. The way she portrayed the character with the utmost dedication and seriousness was quite impressive.

Anandi Joshi played By Bhagyashree Milind ( Anandi Gopal- Marathi 2019)

Based in the 19th century Anandi Gopal is a biopic of India's first female physicians Anandi Gopal Joshi. Bhagyashree Milind who plays the character of Anandi Joshi has brought the story on screen with sincerity and utmost understanding of the story. The movie narrates the journey of Anandi Joshi achieving her husband's dream which becomes her own in the process. It's highly inspiring how in a time when taking education for women was taboo Anandi Joshi became a physician. The hatred and bullying she faced while taking education are portrayed in the movie very well. The movie is directed by Sameer Vidwans.

Venba played by Jyotika (Ponmagal Vandhal 2020)

Ponmagal Vandhal is a 'Courtroom Drama' revolving around a murder mystery. It features Jyotika as the character of the brave lawyer Venba. The story showcases Venba reopening a 15-year-old case of a woman who was declared a serial killer. The story takes many turns and reveals shocking facts such as child abuse and corruption from the cases that were under the rock. The movie was directed by J. J. Fredrick.

These movies and characters have inspired and connected with many women across the nation. The sense of belonging and assurance these characters have provided to women is very inspirational. Today on the occasion of International Women's Day let's celebrate these characters and all the incredible women who represented them on screen as well as off-screen.