2014 has been a great year for women in films. While some movies this year put women at the centre of their narrative, others gave us stoic female characters in stories that weren’t even necessarily about them. I feel Bollywood this year has given our talented actresses plenty of worthy opportunities – so much that some have even managed to steal the thunder from their male co-stars!
1. Alia Bhatt
Can you believe Highway was only the second film of Alia Bhatt‘s entire career?! She played a rich brat who was sexually assaulted by her own family member and consequently rediscovers herself following her abduction. Alia showed much gumption in the portrayal of her character and left everyone very impressed. Her character in 2 States was a modern take on ‘the indian woman’ and her role (which was a breath of fresh air) was applaudable!
2. Parineeti Chopra
Though Parineeti Chopra may have slowed the pace done in the second half of 2014 – with Daawat-e-Ishq and Kill Dil – the vibrant actress certainly started her year off with a bang with Hasee Toh Phasee. She played the pill popping, crazy mannered, genius scientist and managed to evoke a sea of emotions as she played out the very complex character on screen.
3. Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka Chopra physically and mentally transformed herself to play the character of Mary Kom in her recently released biopic Mary Kom. The hardworking actress successfully and zealously portrayed Mary Kom’s inspirational life story in the film.
4. Tabu
I love Tabu, always have; especially when she’s working with Vishal Bhardwaj (Remember, Maqbool?). In Haider, even though it was a Shahid Kapoor show entirely, Tabu stood out! She beautifully captured aching vulnerability in her disturbed character as a conflicted widow and mother, ALL within the politically charged landscape of Kashmir.
5. Kangana Ranaut
Kangana Ranaut not only won our hearts with her brilliant performance in Queen this year, but she also set the ball rolling for female lead character domination! She was loveable, loving, vulnerable and strong – all at the same time. She also left the audience with a sole message: you can be your own hero.
6. Rani Mukerji
Rani Mukerji made a comeback of sorts, with Mardaani this year! She played a cop dealing with human trafficking and kicked ass. Rani was the sole ‘hero’ in this flick.
7. Sonam Kapoor
Sonam Kapoor showed us in Khoobsurat just how quirky life can be. The film also took a step away from the stereotype where the hero picks the “good girl” or the “bad girl gone good” and reminds us that you shouldn’t have to change yourself to find love.
8. Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone has had a whopper of a year since 2013 with many back to back hits. Finding Fanny was just another feather in her already loaded hat. She played a seemingly sweet, widowed Goan girl whose character is more than what meets the eye.
9. Madhuri Dixit & Huma Qureshi
Madhuri Dixit and Huma Qureshi set the screen on fire with their fabulously layered characters in Dedh Ishqiya and a huge applause for the crackling chemistry between them. Companionship was a key take-home message of the film and the theme of homoeroticism was also handled very aesthetically by these women and the film-makers.
10. Vidya Balan
Vidya Balan is definitely one of the first few actresses in recent times to put her foot down and decide that she doesn’t want to be just another pretty face in the film industry. Though her film Bobby Jasoos did not live up to expectations, her character was commendable and marked the debut of a female detective on-screen.
There’s nothing quite like girl power to get us going!
So, who was your favourite on-screen, leading lady of the year?