You might be surprised to know that Bollywood releases more films each year than Hollywood. The representation of Indian women has significantly improved due to mass film releases across the country. Some of the female actresses have managed to make an impact internationally, becoming the most influential women in Bollywood and beyond.
Priyanka Chopra
This is one of the most famous Bollywood actresses. As her popularity started to grow, she crossed over into Hollywood and joined the cast of the rebooted Baywatch. She was destined to become an actress. Coming from a famous acting family, and gained fame worldwide after winning Miss World in 2000. She has many film awards, including the Padma Shri civilian award from the Indian government. She is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador who supports the movements for gender equality, child rights, and equal education. To add to her popularity, she is married to ex boy bander Nick Jonas!
Kareena Kapoor
Another strong actress who started her career at the age of 20, Kapoor has great performances in a wide range of genres. She made her way into being one of the most demanded and well-paid actresses in Bollywood. After marrying actor and film producer Saif Ali Khan, the two have become a power couple and filled all media space. However, her influence spreads into social areas as well, as she works with UNICEF towards the education of girls. In addition, she has started her own beauty and clothing line.
Katrina Kaif
Even though Katrina didn’t speak Hindi, she soon started to appear many in Bollywood movies. With time, her acting improved and she has become one of the highest-paid actresses at the moment. A couple of the films that she starred in became the highest-grossing movies of all times. She doesn’t stop there – Kaif invests her time into helping a charity founded by her mother.
Aishwarya Rai
One of the most beautiful and established actresses in Bollywood started her road to fame since winning Miss World in 1994. Even though her acting career started later, she was widely recognized for her passionate and dramatic performances. She is a Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS and a face for several charities and social initiatives. It was quite impressive to see her become the first Indian actress to also become a jury member at the Cannes Film Festival. The combination of all these accomplishments make her an icon in Bollywood.
Anushka Sharma
Anushka started her career as a model and only with time did she choose to join acting school and audition for films. Her debut was successful and she was cast in quite a few popular movies. She has even appeared in Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30 list. Her acting career only helps her bring visibility to good initiatives for gender equality and animal rights. She also has designed her own clothing line called Nush.
Kangana Ranaut
It is worth mentioning that Ranaut was included five times in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list. This definitely shows her popularity in Bollywood. Her dramatic performances have earned her several film awards and national popularity. She is known for her stylish fashion sense and honest manner of speaking her mind. Even though it has caused a lot of controversies, she has managed to keep her popularity.