Mumbai, March 8 -- Indian cinema has undergone a remarkable shift over the past decade, particularly in the way women are portrayed on screen. The era where female characters existed largely on the sidelines is steadily giving way to stories where women lead the narrative with strength, complexity and individuality. Much of this transformation has been driven by actresses who have consistently chosen roles that challenge conventions and push storytelling forward.

Vidya Balan

One of the earliest and most influential figures in this shift has been Vidya Balan. With films like Kahaani, The Dirty Picture and Tumhari Sulu, she redefined what it meant to be a female protagonist in mainstream Hindi cinema. Her characters were unapologetically ...