In the competitive world of Bollywood, it takes a unique blend of talent and the right opportunities to establish an actor as a bankable star. Many leading actresses of today have defied traditional expectations, opting for unconventional roles that have not only redefined their careers but also delivered blockbuster successes. From spine-chilling horror-comedies to epic historical dramas, these female stars have proven that they can turn bold, unique characters into box-office gold.
Here’s a look at some popular female stars who turned unconventional roles into box-office hits:
1) Triptii Dimri: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 & Animal
Triptii Dimri has quickly become a powerhouse in commercial cinema with hits like Animal and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. In Animal, she portrayed Zoya Riaz, a complex character whose impact resonated deeply with audiences, even with limited screen time. Her role in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 as Princess Meera, a sweet yet intriguing character, helped the film soar past the 200 crore mark. Dimri’s consistent success has solidified her reputation as a rising star with a knack for unconventional roles that captivate audiences.
2) Shraddha Kapoor: Stree 2
The Stree franchise has become a staple in the horror-comedy genre, with Shraddha Kapoor at its heart. The first film was a surprise hit, breaking the 100 crore barrier, but it was Stree 2 that took the series to new heights, becoming a mega-blockbuster. Shraddha’s portrayal of the titular character has been central to the franchise’s appeal, proving that female-led stories with fresh narratives can dominate the box office and become cultural phenomena.
3) Rashmika Mandanna: Pushpa
With the blurring lines between Hindi and South Indian cinema, Rashmika Mandanna has emerged as a major pan-Indian star. Already a sensation in the South, her role in Pushpa alongside Allu Arjun catapulted her into the national spotlight. The film’s massive success has only increased anticipation for Pushpa 2, positioning Mandanna as a key player in mainstream commercial cinema with a strong fanbase that spans across regions.
4) Deepika Padukone: Padmaavat
Deepika Padukone’s portrayal of Maharani Padmavati in Padmaavat was nothing short of iconic. In her third collaboration with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Deepika delivered a powerful performance in this grand historical epic. Despite facing numerous challenges and controversies before its release, the film grossed over 571 crore globally, making it the highest-grossing Bollywood film of the year. Deepika’s commanding screen presence and nuanced performance further solidified her status as one of Bollywood’s top actresses.
5) Alia Bhatt: Gangubai Kathiawadi
Alia Bhatt has built a reputation for choosing bold and challenging roles, and her performance in Gangubai Kathiawadi is a testament to her versatility. Fulfilling her dream of working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Alia delivered a stellar portrayal of the titular character, a powerful and influential figure in Mumbai’s underworld. The film garnered impressive box office collections post-Covid, grossing around 209 crore globally, and earned Bhatt a National Award. Alia’s success with Gangubai Kathiawadi has shown that with the right roles, female-led films can achieve major box-office triumphs.
These actresses have demonstrated that taking risks with unconventional roles can pay off handsomely, setting new benchmarks for female-driven narratives in Bollywood. Their success stories continue to inspire a wave of bold storytelling and diverse character portrayals in Indian cinema.
