Women's Day 2021: Seven Bollywood actors who emerged as bonafide superstars

These seven actors ruled Bollywood, an industry that has often been termed as 'male-dominated'

It is no secret that the Hindi film industry has, over the years, been home to several popular female performers who have won hearts with their work. On International Women's Day, here is a look at seven 'Lady Superstars' and their contribution to Bollywood

Madhubala

Madhubala became an inseparable part of the Hindi film industry in the 50s due to her work in films such as Amar, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi and Howrah Bridge

It was, however, the timeless classic Mughal-e-Azam that proved to be a game-changer for the 'Evergreen Beauty' as it saw her holding her own against seasoned performers Dilip Kumar and Prithviraj Kapoor. Her strong screen presence and effective dialogue delivery were highlights of the romantic drama, which revolved around the tragic love story of Salim and the 'Kanees' Anarkali.

She passed away in 1969, at the age of 36, after ruling the silver screen for over a decade.

Nargis

The powerhouse performer became a household name when she acted alongside Dilip Kumar and 'The Showman' Raj Kapoor in Andaaz. She subsequently consolidated her standing in the industry with films such as Anhonee Awaara and Shree 420.

It was, however, the Mehboob Khan-directed Mother India that established her as an artiste par excellence. The film featured her in the role of a strong-willed woman from a humble background and hit the right notes with its effective presentation.

The movie was selected as India's official entry to the Oscars and earned a nomination in the 'Best Foreign Language Film' category. It, however, failed to win the award. Nargis passed away in 1981, nearly a year after being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer.Her legacy lives on through son actor Sanjay Dutt and daughter Namrata.

Read | Pink, Queen, Nil Battey Sannata: Seven movies to watch on International Women's Day

Sridevi

Sridevi began her Bollywood career with Solva Saawan but failed to make an impact. She garnered praise for her performance in the 1983 release Sadma even though the film did not do well at the box office. The star finally broke into the big league with Mr India. The 'Last Empress' consolidated her standing in Bollywood with films such as Khuda Gawah, Chandini and Lamhe. She played a double role in ChaalBaaz, giving proof of her versatility as a performer. Sridevi eventually took a break from films for personal reasons before making an impressive comeback with English Vinglish. She passed away due to 'accidental drowning' in 2018, less than a year after the release of her last film Mom.

Tabu

Tabu, who was initially criticised for her unconventional looks, emerged as a force to be reckoned with due to her impressive acting chops. She won a National Award for the critically-acclaimed movie Maachis. The ace actor subsequently delivered commendable performances in movies such as Chandini Bar, Astitva and Cheeni Kum. The seasoned artiste emerged as the proverbial scene-stealer in Haider with her scenes reel son Shahid Kapoor hitting the right notes.

Deepika Padukone

Deepika made her Bollywood debut in the most emphatic way possible with the big hit Om Shanti Om. She consolidated her position in the industry with Bajirao Mastani, directed by ace filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film featured her in the role of the feisty 'Mastani' and emerged as a big hit. Her chemistry with Ranveer Singh was a highlight of the blockbuster. She played the titular role in Padmaavat, which raked in the moolah despite releasing amid controversies. Deepika also received praise for her work in Piku, Ram-Leela and Chhapaak.

Kangana Ranaut

Kangana made an impressive debut with a bold role in Gangster. She found a foothold in the industry with her work in films such as Fashion and Woh Lamhe. It was, however, the 2014 release Queen, a film that featured her in the role of a naive young woman, that proved to be a gamechanger for the star. The Tanu Weds Manu franchise too worked wonders for her career as it saw her hold her own against R Madhavan. Kangana impressed her die-hard fans with her work in the period-drama Manikarnika and Panga.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka faced numerous setbacks early in her career but eventually became the talk of the town when she essayed the role of a scheming and manipulative woman in Aitraaz. She went on to act in several critically-acclaimed movies such as Mary Kom, Fashion and 7 Khoon Maaf, emerging as the choice of the masses. She won several awards for her portrayal of an Autistic young woman in Barfi, a gamechanger for the star. Her other notable films include Bajirao Mastani, Dil Dhadakhne Do, Mujhse Shaadi Karonge and Dostana.

Honourable mentions: Vidya Balan, Smita Patil, Taapsee Pannu, Alia Bhatt, Hema Malini, Anushka Sharma and Zeenat Aman