Bollywood’s Leading Actresses and Their Iconic Filmography

In the ever-evolving realm of Bollywood, new talents come and go but some create a special place for themselves through their talent, beauty, and grace. Actresses like Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Anushka Sharma, and Tapsee Pannu have left their mark on the silver screens and into the hearts of not just millions of Indians but the outside world as well.

These actresses have charmed Bollywood and have been entertaining the audience brilliantly. Their acting prowess is truly commendable. From Alia Bhatt’s meteoric rise to stardom with her impactful roles to Deepika Padukone’s global influence and accolades, each actress has left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry. Kangana Ranaut, with her powerful portrayals, and Shraddha Kapoor, who has risen to prominence in recent years, further contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Bollywood.

1. Alia Bhatt

Alia Bhatt entered the limelight with her first major role in ‘Student of the Year’ (2012) and became one of the leading actresses in Bollywood during the 2020s. Her debut film as a child actor was the 1999 thriller ‘Sangharsh.’ Over the years, she has gained popularity through her performances in movies such as Highway and 2 States. However, in recent times, she has truly emerged as a superstar. Her exceptional acting skills in movies like Gully Boy, Raazi, and Gangubai Kathiawadi have earned her immense critical acclaim and commercial success.

She is one of the highest-paid actresses and has received five Filmfare Awards and a National Film Award for her movie Gangubai Kathiwadi.

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Best Alia Bhatt Movies: 2 States (2014), Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014), Highway (2014), Dear Zindagi (2016), Udta Punjab (2016), Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017), Raazi (2018), Gully Boy (2019), Brahmastra (2022), Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023)

• Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone is a highly successful and influential actress in the Bollywood film industry. She is also one of the highest-paid actresses and has won three Filmfare Awards. She is widely recognized as one of the most popular personalities in the country and has been named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2018. In 2022, she was awarded the Time100 Impact Award.

In 2023, Deepika starred in her highest-grossing Indian film, Pathaan.

Best Deepika Padukone Movies: Om Shanti Om (2007), Love Aaj Kal (2009), Cocktail (2012), Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013), Chennai Express (2013), Ram-Leela (2013), Happy New Year (2014), Bajirao Mastani (2015), Piku (2015), Padmaavat (2018), Pathaan (2023), and Jawan (2023)

• Kangana Ranaut

Kangana Ranaut has been one of the most influential actresses of the past decade, and her status seems to be only growing stronger in the 2020s. She made her debut in 2006 with the movie Gangster, but it was her performance in Queen in 2014 that catapulted her to stardom. Since then, she has established herself as one of the finest actresses in Indian cinema through powerful performances in films like Tanu Weds Manu, Simran, Manikarnika, and Panga.

Kangana Ranaut has received several awards, including four National Film Awards and five Filmfare Awards, and is undoubtedly one of the most acclaimed actresses in 2023.

Best Kangana Ranaut Movies: Woh Lamhe (2006), Life in a Metro (2007), Fashion (2008), Raaz: The Mystery Continues (2009), Once Upon a Time in Mumbai (2010), Tanu Weds Manu (2011), Krrish 3 (2013), Queen (2014), Tanu Weds Manu: Returns (2015), Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (2019), and Panga (2020)

• Shraddha Kapoor

Shraddha Kapoor has established herself as one of the leading actresses of the 2020s. Although she started her acting career in 2010, it is in recent years that she has truly risen to stardom. The success of films like Chhichhore, Street Dancer 3D, and Saaho, increased her social media popularity with over 50 million followers. She is one of the most followed Indian actresses on Instagram and has also sung several of her film songs. Her current follower count is 80.4M.

Best Shraddha Kapoor Movies: Aashiqui 2 (2013), Haider (2014), Ek Villain (2014), ABCD 2 (2015), Baaghi (2016), Stree (2018), Saaho (2019), Chhichhore (2019), Street Dancer 3D (2020), Baaghi 3 (2020), Bhediya (2022), and Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (2023)

• Anushka Sharma

Anushka Sharma is one of the most popular and successful actresses in India. She has a massive following of 66.5 million on Instagram, making her one of the most followed actresses on the platform. She is also one of the highest-paid actresses in Bollywood. Sharma made her acting debut in 2008 in the film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, opposite Shah Rukh Khan. The film was a commercial success and helped to establish Sharma as a leading actress in Bollywood.

Best Anushka Sharma Movies: Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008), Band Baaja Baaraat (2010), Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012), PK (2014), NH10 (2015), Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016), Sultan (2016), Sui Dhaaga (2018), and Sanju (2018)

• Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif is a force to be reckoned with in the Indian film industry. She has established herself as one of the highest-paid actresses and has starred in numerous blockbusters and high-grossing films, including Ek Tha Tiger, Dhoom 3, and Tiger Zinda Hai. Her journey to stardom began with her acting debut in Boom (2003), and she has since received nominations for many of her films.

Before getting into acting, Katrina Kaif was a successful model. She walked the ramp for India Fashion Week, appeared in the first Kingfisher Calendar, and endorsed brands such as Coca-Cola, LG, Fevicol, and Samsung. Her beauty and charisma were undeniable, and it was only a matter of time before she transitioned to the silver screen.

Best Katrina Kaif Movies: Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya (2005), Namastey London (2007), New York (2009), Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (2009), Rajneeti (2010), Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (2011), Ek Tha Tiger (2012), Dhoom 3 (2013), Bang Bang! (2014), Tiger Zinda Hai (2017), Sooryavanshi (2021), and Tiger 3 (2023)

• Tapsee Pannu

Taapsee Pannu has emerged as a formidable presence in Bollywood, establishing herself as a bankable and critically acclaimed actress. Beginning her journey in the South Indian film industry in 2010, she made her Hindi debut in 2013 with Chashme Baddoor. However, it was her standout performance in the 2016 film ‘Pink’ that catapulted her to stardom. Known for her bold choice of roles, she often portrays strong, independent women challenging societal norms. Her roles in films like Naam Shabana, Saand Ki Aankh, Mulk, and Thappad have consistently showcased her versatility and power on screen.

Best Tapsee Pannu Movies: Pink (2016), The Ghazi Attack (2017), Naam Shabana (2017), Mulk (2018), Manmarziyaan (2018), Badla (2019), Mission Mangal (2019), Saand Ki Aankh (2019), and Thappad (2020)

• Kriti Sanon

Kriti Sanon is a talented and versatile Indian actress who has captivated audiences with her impressive performances in Bollywood films. She began her journey in the world of glamour as a model and transitioned into acting with the Telugu film 1: Nenokkadine. Her debut film Heropanti marked a turning point in her Bollywood career, earning her the prestigious Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.

Her portrayal of a surrogate mother in the film Mimi (2021) garnered her critical acclaim and she was awarded the Filmfare Award for Best Actress.

Best Kriti Sanon Movies: Dilwale (2015), Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017), Luka Chuppi (2019), Housefull 4 (2019), and Mimi (2021)

• Sara Ali Khan

Sara Ali Khan Pataudi is a rising star in Bollywood and is fast becoming a household name in India. Her charming performances in films like Kedarnath and Simmba have not only won her commercial success but also critical acclaim, firmly establishing her as a promising talent.

Her dance moves, especially in Shreya Ghosal’s song Chaka Chak were greatly appreciated by the public.

Best Sara Ali Khan Movies: Kedarnath (2018), Love Aaj Kal (2020), Atrangi Re (2021), and Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (2023)

1. Kiara Advani

Kiara Advani, a promising leading actress in Hindi and Telugu cinema, stepped into the limelight with her debut in the 2014 comedy film “Fugly.” Over the years, she has graced the screen with her presence in several blockbuster movies, earning honours like the IIFA Award for Best Supporting Actress and a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress.

Kiara tied the knot with actor Sidharth Malhotra in 2022, marking a beautiful chapter in her life both on and off the silver screen.

Best Kiara Advani: M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016), Lust Stories (2018), Bharat Ane Nenu (2018), Kabir Singh (2019), Good Newwz (2019), Shershaah (2021), Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022), and Jugjugg Jeeyo (2022)