8 mainstream Bollywood actresses of the 21st century

Shramana Kar

Bollywood actresses have been beauty icons for decades. However, in this modern era, they have become much stronger to portray their own stories, rather than just being the hero's love interest. Here are some names:

Priyanka Chopra

Unlike most of the actresses, Priyanka Chopra's breakout role was as a vamp in Aitraaz (2004). It propelled her to global stardom and cemented her status as a celebrated actor.

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Kareena's debuted in Refugee (2000), but rose to fame with Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001). Her stardom has remained strong over the decades, and she has constantly reinvented herself.

Deepika Padukone

Deepika has quickly risen to be one of the most successful Indian actors. From being a jury member at Cannes to being a global brand ambassador, she is a prominent Indian figure worldwide.

Alia Bhatt

Alia debuted with Student of the Year (2012). Her versatility as an actor, stunning looks, and charming personality, have cemented her status as a household name in India.

Kiara Advani

Kaira's breakout role as Sakshi Dhoni in MS Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016) catapulted her to stardom, showcasing her talent and charming audiences as the wife of the iconic cricketer, Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Katrina Kaif

Katrina's breakout role as Zoya in the Tiger film series helped her garner immense popularity throughout the years. It helped her cement her name as an action heroine in Bollywood.

Vidya Balan

Vidya's powerful performances in films like Paa, Ishqiya, and The Dirty Picture broke Bollywood's heroine mold. She is credited with revolutionising the industry's female lead roles.

Kangana Ranaut

Kangana is known for her bold and vulnerable performances, showcasing her remarkable growth. She's one of those actresses who isn't afraid to take up challenging roles, regardless of the movie's performance at the box office.