Not all Bollywood films have song-and-dance scenes, treat female leads like mannequins, or use item numbers to boost box office receipts. There are a few Bollywood films with strong female leads and compelling storylines. These movies have the ability to affect and leave an imprint on our minds. We now have films that show many types of women, including those who are ambitious, adventurous, fashionistas, powerful, daring, hilarious, serious, snarky, emotional, and more.

1. Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi

The epic period play depicts Rani Laxmibai’s role as the first woman in history to conduct war against the British and start the first battle of independence. It follows her from her childhood in Bithoor to her coronation as Queen of Jhansi and her transformation into a warrior queen.

2. Raazi

‘Raazi,’ directed by Meghna Gulzar, is based on a true incident about a girl who is sent to Pakistan to gather intelligence while tensions between India and Pakistan are escalating. During the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, a Kashmiri girl marries a Pakistani army officer in order to spy on Pakistan.

3. Neerja

Sonam Kapoor plays the title character, a flight attendant, in this biographical thriller based on a true tale. When she boards Pan Am 73 on her way to work on a typical day, the plane is hijacked in Karachi by a Libya-backed terrorist organisation. Neerja foils the hijackers’ scheme, saving 359 of the 379 passengers and crew members on board. Neerja Bhanot has received the Ashoka Chakra posthumously, making her the youngest person to receive it.

4. Lipstick Under My Burkha

‘Lipstick Under My Burkha,’ set in a small hamlet in India, tells the journey of four women in search of a little freedom. A burkha-clad college girl who hopes to be a pop singer, a young beautician, a housewife, and a 55-year-old widow are the four women. These four women are on a quest to rediscover happiness and independence.

5. Queen

Kangana Ranaut (Rani) stars in the Indian comedy-drama Queen (2014). Rani is a bashful New Delhi-based Punjabi girl. Her fiancé cancels their wedding one day before the ceremony, citing a lifestyle issue and explaining how she is the wrong match for him. She goes on her pre-planned honeymoon to Paris and Amsterdam in order to regain control of the situation. Rani gains confidence and undergoes a dramatic makeover during the tour.

6. English Vinglish

The comedy-drama depicts the life of Shashi Godbole, played by Sridevi, a housewife who operates a ‘laddoo’ company in her home. Her husband and daughter take her for granted and make fun of her inability to communicate in English. Her niece enrols her in a secret English class to assist her in learning the language. She completes the course with honours, and her husband and daughter’s perceptions of her shift as well.

7. No One Killed Jessica

Rani Mukerji and Vidya Balan star in the biographical thriller film based on the Jessica Lal murder case. The leading ladies have strong performances in the film. The film depicts how a journalist (played by Rani) hooks up with the sister of a deceased model (played by Vidya) with the same goal of bringing justice to the case.