Since 2014, Bollywood has mirrored India’s empowerment wave, propelled by campaigns like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao. Heroines have stepped into the spotlight, their stories dismantling patriarchy and championing autonomy across genres.
Rani Mukerji blazed trails in Mardaani (2014), playing tough cop Shivani against child traffickers. Gopi Puthran’s thriller thrived on her intensity, setting a template for female-led action. Anticipation builds for the trilogy’s finale.
Her Hichki (2018) role as afflicted teacher Naina inspired through Siddharth P. Malhotra’s uplifting script, proving passion trumps physical hurdles in uplifting communities.
Dear Zindagi (2016) gifted Alia Bhatt’s introspective Kaira, mentored by Shah Rukh Khan in Gauri Shinde’s ode to psychological growth and joy.
Raazi’s (2018) Sehmat, via Alia Bhatt and Meghna Gulzar, fused espionage thrills with a woman’s patriotic resolve, enriched by co-stars’ depth.
Anubhav Sinha’s Thappad (2020) starred Taapsee Pannu as Amrita, galvanizing against domestic tyranny through poignant, multifaceted vignettes.
Adah Sharma anchored The Kerala Story (2023), Sudipto Sen’s exposé on radical entrapment, her character’s fight symbolizing reclaimed freedom.
This era marks Bollywood’s maturation, aligning art with advocacy to empower women profoundly.