7 Inspirational Woman Characters from Bollywood

Team FC

Radha - Mother India (1957)

In this epic drama by Mehboob Khan Nargis Dutt plays the role of Radha, a righteous woman. She has struggled to raise her children while also dealing with Sukhilala, a greedy local moneylender. Despite all the trouble, she is shown as independent and maintaining her integrity at any cost.

Shashi - English Vinglish (2012) 

In this film by Gauri Shinde, Sridevi plays the role of the charming Shashi Godbole. She is a very busy homemaker and the owner of a home business, but she longs for more agency in her life. The film shows her relearning English and asserting herself strongly to her family.

Rani - Queen (2013) 

In this film by Vikas Bahl, Kangana Ranaut plays the role of a young and naive Rani. Her fiancé breaks off their engagement a day before the wedding and Rani decides to go on their honeymoon all alone. We see this solo trip bring her out of a comfort zone and transform her. 

Bijli - Parched (2015) 

This drama by Leela Yavad, tells the story of four women from the same desert village of Gujarat. The character of Bijli played by Surveen Chawla is an erotic dancer in a traveling entertainment company. Bijli advises Rani, Lajjo and Janki to put themselves first and also owns her flaws unabashedly. 

Usha - Lipstick Under My Burkha (2016) 

This film by Alankrita Shrivastava is the story of 4 women from the same neighbourhood, who lead secretive lives filled with ambition, desire, and passion. Usha played by Ratna Pathak Shah along with other interesting characters played by Konkana, Plabita and Aahana

Piku (2015) 

In this comedy drama by Shoojit Sircar, Deepika Padukone plays the role of Piku. A deeply sensitive, layered and complex character, Piku owns her responsibilities while also hardened by them and yet, in the few moments of tenderness, she remains to be charming and leaves you curious to know more about her. 

Rani - Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023) 

In this film by Karan Johar, Alia Bhatt plays the role of an outspoken journalist, Rani. Her character is shown as the opposite to Rocky’s conservative, patriarchal family. Even while accepting change for love, she never backs down from her ideologies.