The number of female-led Bollywood films has increased significantly during the last decade. This trend toward greater female representation in the film business is a wonderful change, and it is crucial to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments.
The rising willingness of female performers to take on main parts is one of the key elements driving this trend. Female performers were frequently limited to supporting parts in the past, with male actors assuming the lead.
To mention a few, Anushka Sharma, Shraddha Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Priyanka Chopra have all emerged as remarkable and popular female performers in recent years.
These actors have proven that they are more than capable of carrying a film and have helped to pave the way for more female-led films.
Another factor contributing to the rise of female-led Bollywood films is the changing attitudes of filmmakers and studios. In the past, there was a belief that male-led films were more likely to be successful at the box office.
However, this mentality is beginning to shift as more and more female-led films prove to be profitable. Filmmakers and studios are now more open to the idea of casting female actors in leading roles and are starting to see the potential for success in this area.
The success of female-led Bollywood films is not only good for the film industry, but it is also important for society as a whole. These films provide role models for young girls and women and help to break down the gender stereotypes that have been perpetuated for so long.
They also give a voice to women and help to shed light on issues that are important to them.
There is still a long way to go in terms of gender equality in the film industry, but the rise of female-led Bollywood films is a step in the right direction.
It is important to continue to support and celebrate these films and the talented actors who are leading the way toward a more equal and diverse film industry. So, it is a great time to be a part of this amazing journey.
Want To Watch A Female-Led Bollywood Movie?
Now to end it with a good note, here’s a list of top female-lead Bollywood films that you might want to watch:
Queen (2013)
Directed by Vikas Bahl and stars Kangana Ranaut as the lead character Rani.
Queen is a 2013 Indian Hindi-language film directed by Vikas Bahl and produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures. The film stars Kangana Ranaut as the titular character, Rani Mehra, a young woman from Delhi who embarks on her honeymoon to Paris and Amsterdam alone after her fiancé calls off their wedding.
Queen is notable as a female-led Bollywood film, with Rani’s character serving as the central figure of the story. The film explores themes of independence, self-discovery, and empowerment as Rani navigates unfamiliar situations and challenges on her solo journey.
The film was a critical and commercial success, with Ranaut’s performance as Rani being particularly praised. It won several awards and accolades, including three National Film Awards and four Filmfare Awards. Queen is considered a pioneering film in the movement for more prominent roles for women in Bollywood cinema.
Ki & Ka (2016)
Directed by R. Balki and stars Kareena Kapoor Khan as the lead character Kia.
Ki & Ka is a 2016 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy film directed by R. Balki and produced by Sunil Lulla and R. Balki. The film stars Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Kapoor in the lead roles, with Swaroop Sampat, Rajit Kapoor, and Amitabh Bachchan in supporting roles.
In Ki & Ka, Kareena Kapoor plays the role of Kia, a successful career woman who is determined to make her mark in the corporate world. Arjun Kapoor plays the role of Kabir, a man who defies traditional gender roles by choosing to stay at home and take care of the household while his wife works. The film explores the theme of gender roles and expectations in modern society, as well as the idea of reversing traditional gender roles in a relationship.
Ki & Ka received mixed reviews upon its release, but Kareena Kapoor’s performance was generally praised. The film was a commercial success and helped to further establish Kareena Kapoor as a leading actress in Bollywood.
English Vinglish (2012)
Directed by Gauri Shinde and stars Sridevi as the lead character Shashi.
English Vinglish is a 2012 Indian drama film written and directed by Gauri Shinde. The film stars Sridevi as the lead character, Shashi Godbole, a housewife who enrolls in an English-language class to gain more confidence and respect in her personal and professional life. The film also features French actor Mehdi Nebbou, Adil Hussain, and Amitabh Bachchan in supporting roles.
English Vinglish was a critical and commercial success and is considered a turning point in Sridevi’s career. It was praised for its portrayal of a strong, independent female character and for addressing the issue of language discrimination faced by non-English speakers in India. The film’s success also contributed to the rise of female-led Bollywood movies, with more and more women taking on leading roles in the industry.
Pink (2016)
Directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury and starring Taapsee Pannu as the lead character Minal Arora.
Pink is a 2016 Indian courtroom drama film written and directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury. The film stars Amitabh Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari, Andrea Tariang, and Angad Bedi in lead roles.
In the film, three young women, Minal Arora (played by Taapsee Pannu), Falak Ali (played by Kirti Kulhari), and Andrea Tariang (played by Andrea Tariang), are defending themselves against false accusations of promiscuity and indecent behavior. They are aided by a retired lawyer, Deepak Sehgal (played by Amitabh Bachchan), who takes on their case pro bono.
Pink was a critical and commercial success and was praised for its portrayal of women’s rights and gender equality. The film’s strong message and powerful performances by the female leads made it a milestone in the portrayal of women in Bollywood cinema.
Neerja (2016)
Directed by Ram Madhvani and stars Sonam Kapoor as the lead character Neerja Bhanot.
Neerja is a 2016 Indian biographical thriller film directed by Ram Madhvani and written by Saiwyn Quadras and Sanyuktha Chawla Sheikh. The film stars Sonam Kapoor as the titular character, Neerja Bhanot, a young flight attendant who sacrificed her life to save passengers on a hijacked plane.
Neerja is a female-led Bollywood film that tells the true story of Neerja Bhanot, who was killed while trying to protect passengers on a Pan Am flight that was hijacked by terrorists in 1986. The film explores themes of bravery, courage, and selflessness, and Sonam Kapoor’s performance as Neerja received widespread praise.
The film was a critical and commercial success, and it won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration and the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Sonam Kapoor. Neerja is considered a pioneering film for its portrayal of a strong, independent woman who fought for the safety and well-being of others.
Raazi (2018)
Directed by Meghna Gulzar and stars Alia Bhatt as the lead character Sehmat Khan.
Raazi is a 2018 Indian Hindi-language spy thriller film directed by Meghna Gulzar and produced by Vineet Jain, Karan Johar, Hiroo Yash Johar, and Apoorva Mehta. The film stars Alia Bhatt as the titular character, Sehmat Khan, a young woman who is recruited by India’s intelligence agency to marry a Pakistani military officer and spy on Pakistan during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War.
Raazi is a female-led Bollywood film that tells the story of Sehmat’s covert mission and the sacrifices she makes in the name of her country. The film explores themes of loyalty, patriotism, and the complexities of espionage. Alia Bhatt’s performance as Sehmat received widespread praise, and the film was a commercial and critical success.
Raazi won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer and the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Alia Bhatt. It is considered a pioneering film for its portrayal of a strong, courageous woman who takes on a dangerous mission for the greater good.
Thappad (2020)
Directed by Anubhav Sinha and stars Taapsee Pannu as the lead character Amrita Sabharwal.
Thappad is a 2020 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Anubhav Sinha and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, and Anubhav Sinha. The film stars Taapsee Pannu as the lead character, Amrita, a woman whose seemingly perfect life is turned upside down when her husband slaps her in public.
Thappad is a female-led Bollywood film that explores the theme of domestic violence and the impact it can have on a woman’s life. As Amrita struggles to come to terms with the incident and the implications it has for her relationship and her sense of self, the film delves into issues of gender roles, power dynamics, and the importance of consent.
Taapsee Pannu’s performance as Amrita received widespread praise, and the film was a commercial and critical success. Thappad won several awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Taapsee Pannu, and it is considered a pioneering film for its portrayal of a strong, resilient woman who stands up for herself and fights for her rights.
Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare (2020)
Directed by Alankrita Shrivastava and stars Konkona Sen Sharma and Bhumi Pednekar as the lead characters Dolly and Kitty.
Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare is a 2020 Indian Hindi-language comedy-drama film directed by Alankrita Shrivastava and produced by Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor. The film stars Konkona Sen Sharma and Bhumi Pednekar in the lead roles, with Amol Parashar, Aamir Bashir, and Kubra Sait in supporting roles.
Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare is a female-led Bollywood film that follows the lives of two cousins, Dolly and Kitty, who are trying to find their place in the world. Dolly is a housewife who is struggling to come to terms with her husband’s infidelity, while Kitty is a young woman who is trying to break free from the constraints of her traditional family and society.
The film explores themes of female empowerment, identity, and the struggles of modern womanhood. Konkona Sen Sharma and Bhumi Pednekar’s performances as Dolly and Kitty received widespread praise, and the film was a commercial and critical success. Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare is considered a pioneering film for its portrayal of strong, complex female characters and its exploration of relevant and timely issues facing women in India today.
Chhapaak (2020)
Directed by Meghna Gulzar and stars Deepika Padukone as the lead character Malti.
Chhapaak is a 2020 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Meghna Gulzar and produced by Deepika Padukone, Meghna Gulzar, and Fox Star Studios. The film stars Deepika Padukone as the lead character, Malti, a young woman who is a survivor of an acid attack and fights for justice and the rights of acid attack survivors.
Chhapaak is a female-led Bollywood film that tells the real-life story of Malti and her journey toward recovery and empowerment. The film explores themes of resilience, determination, and the importance of standing up for what is right. Deepika Padukone’s performance as Malti received widespread praise, and the film was a commercial and critical success.
Chhapaak won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration and the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Deepika Padukone. It is considered a pioneering film for its portrayal of a strong, courageous woman who refuses to be defined by her circumstances and fights for justice and change.
Jab We Met (2007)
Directed by Imtiaz Ali and stars Kareena Kapoor Khan as the lead character Geet Dhillon.
Jab We Met is a 2007 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy film directed by Imtiaz Ali and produced by Dhillin Mehta. The film stars Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor in the lead roles, with Dara Singh, Pavan Malhotra, and Saumya Tandon in supporting roles.
In Jab We Met, Kareena Kapoor plays the role of Geet, a lively and independent young woman who is on her way to elope with her boyfriend when she meets a disillusioned businessman, Aditya (played by Shahid Kapoor). As they travel together, they help each other rediscover their passions and find new purpose in life.
Jab We Met is a female-led Bollywood film that explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the importance of following one’s dreams. Kareena Kapoor’s performance as Geet received widespread praise, and the film was a commercial and critical success. It won several awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Kareena Kapoor, and it is considered a pioneering film for its portrayal of a strong, independent woman who is not afraid to take charge of her own life.
Veere Di Wedding (2018)
Directed by Shashanka Ghosh and starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar, and Shikha Talsania as the lead characters Kalindi Puri, Avni Sharma, Sakshi Soni, and Meera Sood.
Veere Di Wedding is a 2018 Indian Hindi-language comedy-drama film directed by Shashanka Ghosh and produced by Rhea Kapoor, Ekta Kapoor, and Nikhil Dwivedi. The film stars Kareena Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar, and Shikha Talsania in the lead roles, with Sumeet Vyas, Neena Gupta, and Manoj Pahwa in supporting roles.
Veere Di Wedding is a female-led Bollywood film that tells the story of four close-knit friends – Kalindi (Kareena Kapoor), Avni (Sonam Kapoor), Meera (Swara Bhaskar), and Sakshi (Shikha Talsania) – who come together to support Kalindi as she navigates the ups and downs of her arranged marriage.
The film explores themes of female friendship, relationships, and the complexities of modern womanhood. The performances of the four lead actresses received widespread praise, and the film was a commercial and critical success. Veere Di Wedding is considered a pioneering film for its portrayal of strong, independent women who support and empower each other.
Bandit Queen (1994)
Directed by Shekhar Kapur and stars Seema Biswas as the lead character Phoolan Devi.
Bandit Queen is a 1994 Indian biographical film directed by Shekhar Kapur and produced by Bobby Bedi. The film is based on the real-life story of Phoolan Devi, a bandit and folk hero in India who was known for her fight against oppression and injustice. The film stars Seema Biswas as Phoolan Devi, with Nirmal Pandey, Rajesh Vivek, and Manoj Bajpayee in supporting roles.
Bandit Queen is a female-led Bollywood film that tells the story of Phoolan Devi’s life, from her childhood in rural India to her rise as a bandit and eventual surrender to the authorities. The film explores themes of social injustice, gender inequality, and the resilience and determination of a woman who fought against all odds.
Seema Biswas’s performance as Phoolan Devi received widespread praise, and the film was a commercial and critical success. Bandit Queen won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration and the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress for Seema Biswas. It is considered a pioneering film for its portrayal of a strong, independent woman who fought for her rights and the rights of others.
Fashion (2008)
Directed by Madhur Bhandarkar and starring Priyanka Chopra as the lead character Meghna Mathur.
Fashion is a 2008 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Madhur Bhandarkar and produced by Ronnie Screwvala and Madhur Bhandarkar. The film stars Priyanka Chopra as the lead character, Meghna Mathur, a small-town girl who becomes a successful model and eventually rises to the top of the fashion industry. Kangana Ranaut, Mugdha Godse, and Arbaaz Khan also star in the film in supporting roles.
Fashion is a female-led Bollywood film that explores the world of modeling and the fashion industry, as well as the personal struggles and sacrifices that come with success. The film follows Meghna’s journey as she navigates the cutthroat world of modeling and tries to find her place in a competitive and demanding industry.
Priyanka Chopra’s performance as Meghna received widespread praise, and the film was a commercial and critical success. Fashion won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Actress for Priyanka Chopra and the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Kangana Ranaut. It is considered a pioneering film for its portrayal of strong, independent women who are fighting for their dreams and making their mark in the male-dominated world of fashion.
Piku (2015)
Directed by Shoojit Sircar and stars Deepika Padukone as the lead character Piku Banerjee.
Piku is a 2015 Indian Hindi-language comedy-drama film directed by Shoojit Sircar and produced by N.P. Singh, Ronnie Lahiri, and Sneha Rajani. The film stars Deepika Padukone as the lead character, Piku, a young woman who is the primary caregiver for her aging and difficult father. Amitabh Bachchan and Irrfan Khan also star in the film in supporting roles.
Piku is a female-led Bollywood film that tells the story of Piku and her relationship with her father, as well as the challenges and challenges of caring for an aging parent. The film explores themes of family, relationships, and the complexities of modern womanhood.
Deepika Padukone’s performance as Piku received widespread praise, and the film was a commercial and critical success. Piku won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Actor for Amitabh Bachchan and the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Deepika Padukone. It is considered a pioneering film for its portrayal of a strong, independent woman who is navigating the challenges of caring for an aging parent while also trying to find her own way in the world.
Lipstick Under My Burkha (2017)
Directed by Alankrita Shrivastava and stars Konkona Sen Sharma, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Aahana Kumra as the lead characters Rehana Abidi, Usha Parmar, and Shirin Aslam.
Lipstick Under My Burkha is a 2017 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Alankrita Shrivastava and produced by Prakash Jha. The film stars Konkona Sen Sharma, Ratna Pathak Shah, Aahana Kumra, and Plabita Borthakur in the lead roles, with Sushant Singh, Vikrant Massey, and Shashank Arora in supporting roles.
Lipstick Under My Burkha is a female-led Bollywood film that tells the story of four women in small-town India who are trying to find their place in a society that is often hostile to their desires and ambitions. The film explores themes of female sexuality, oppression, and the struggle for autonomy and self-expression.
The performances of the four lead actresses received widespread praise, and the film was a commercial and critical success. Lipstick Under My Burkha won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Actress for Konkona Sen Sharma and the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Ratna Pathak Shah. It is considered a pioneering film for its portrayal of strong, independent women who are fighting for their rights and their dignity in a society that often tries to silence and suppress them.
Vicky Donor (2012)
Directed by Shoojit Sircar and stars Yami Gautam as the lead character Ashima Roy.
Vicky Donor is a 2012 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy film directed by Shoojit Sircar and produced by John Abraham. The film stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Yami Gautam in the lead roles, with Annu Kapoor, Dolly Ahluwalia, and Jayant Kripalani in supporting roles.
In Vicky Donor, Yami Gautam plays the role of Ashima Roy, a young woman who falls in love with a sperm donor, Vicky (played by Ayushmann Khurrana), and has to navigate the challenges and complications of their unconventional relationship. The film explores themes of love, family, and the importance of communication and understanding in relationships.
While Vicky Donor is not a female-led Bollywood film, Yami Gautam’s performance as Ashima received widespread praise, and the film was a commercial and critical success. It won several awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut for Yami Gautam, and it is considered a pioneering film for its portrayal of a strong, independent woman who is not afraid to challenge societal norms and expectations.
Parched (2015)
Directed by Leena Yadav and starring Tannishtha Chatterjee, Radhika Apte, and Surveen Chawla as the lead characters Rani, Lajjo, and Bijli.
Parched is a 2015 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Leena Yadav and produced by Ajay Devgn, Aseem Bajaj, and Leena Yadav. The film stars Tannishtha Chatterjee, Radhika Apte, Surveen Chawla, and Adil Hussain in the lead roles, with Lehar Khan, Mahesh Balraj, and Riddhi Sen in supporting roles.
Parched is a female-led Bollywood film that tells the story of four women in a small village in rural India who are trying to break free from the constraints of their traditional roles and society. The film explores themes of female empowerment, sexuality, and the struggles and triumphs of modern womanhood.
The performances of the four lead actresses received widespread praise, and the film was a commercial and critical success. Parched won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Actress for Tannishtha Chatterjee and the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Radhika Apte. It is considered a pioneering film for its portrayal of strong, independent women who are fighting for their rights and their dignity in a society that often tries to suppress and control them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, female-led Bollywood movies have come a long way in recent years, with more and more women taking on leadership roles and exploring complex and diverse characters.
These films are not only entertaining, but they also serve as an important platform for women to tell their stories and shed light on important issues facing women in India today.
From powerful dramas like Raazi and Chhapaak to comedies like Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare and Veere Di Wedding, these films showcase the strength, resilience, and determination of women and inspire audiences to stand up for themselves and fight for their rights.
It is important to continue to support and celebrate these films and the talented women who bring them to life, as they serve as an important part of the cultural fabric of India and inspire us all to be the best versions of ourselves.
Please let us know in the comments section below if you have any more suggestions.