13 Boldest Bollywood Actresses of All Time | 2023

Bollywood has been home to some of the boldest and most fearless actresses who have left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry. These women have challenged stereotypes, shattered societal norms, and paved the way for future generations of actresses to follow in their footsteps. From Zeenat Aman’s unapologetic performances to Rekha’s bold choices, and Kalki Koechlin’s willingness to take on unconventional roles, these actresses have proven that they are not afraid to push the boundaries and take risks.

So let’s take a moment to appreciate and check out these Boldest Bollywood Actresses of all Time.

1. Zeenat Aman

Zeenat Aman is considered one of the most iconic actresses of her time. She is known for breaking traditional norms with her bold roles and performances. In the 1970s, she appeared in several hit films, including “Hare Rama Hare Krishna,” where she played a hippie and “Yaadon Ki Baraat,” where she played a cabaret dancer. These roles challenged societal norms and paved the way for other actresses to follow suit.

source: Instagram

2. Sharmila Tagore

Another seasoned actress with a reputation for taking on challenging roles is Sharmila Tagore. She had multiple cinematic appearances in the 1960s, often portraying unusual characters. In “Mausam,” where she played a widow who falls in love with a younger guy, she gave one of her most noteworthy performances. This character was revolutionary and questioned Indian society’s traditional views on relationships and love.

source: Instagram

3. Parveen Babi

Parveen Babi was a leading actress in the 1970s and 1980s. She was known for her unconventional roles and her bold on-screen presence. Her most memorable performances were in “Deewar” and “Amar Akbar Anthony,” where she played strong-willed characters who challenged societal norms.

source: Instagram

4. Helen

Helen is considered the queen of cabaret in Bollywood. She appeared in over 700 films and is known for her mesmerizing dance performances. Her most famous roles were in films like “Caravan” and “Don,” where she played a cabaret dancer. Her beauty is evergreen which makes people go gaga over her.

source: Wikipedia

5. Rekha

Rekha is another veteran actress who has left an indelible mark on the industry. In the 1970s and 1980s, she appeared in several films where she played bold and unconventional characters. Her most noteworthy roles were in the films “Umrao Jaan” and “Khubsoorat,” in which she depicted independent women who defied social standards.

source: Wikipedia

6. Bipasha Basu

Bipasha Basu is a well-known Bollywood actress who has been part of the film industry for over two decades. Known for her bold and beautiful roles, she has carved a niche for herself in the industry. Basu started her acting career with the film Ajnabee in 2001, and since then, she has worked in several successful movies such as Raaz, Jism, Corporate, and Dhoom 2.

source: Instagram

7. Mallika Sherawat

Mallika Sherawat is a Bollywood actress who is known for her bold and fearless roles. She made her debut in the film industry with the movie Jeena Sirf Merre Liye in 2002, but it was her role in the film Murder that catapulted her to fame.

source: Instagram

8. Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra is a bold and confident Bollywood actress who has made a name for herself both in India and abroad. She has never been afraid to take risks and challenge stereotypes, both on and off-screen. Priyanka is known for her powerful performances and has won several awards for her work in the film industry.

source: Instagram

9. Katrina Kaif

Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif has won plaudits for playing strong and risk-taking characters on screen. In her acting career, she has never shied away from taking chances and going above the norm. In popular movies like “Ek Tha Tiger,” “Jab Tak Hai Jaan,” and “Bang Bang!”, Katrina has acted as the lead and given an ever-so phenomenal performance.

source: Instagram

10. Huma Qureshi

Huma Qureshi is a bold and talented Bollywood actress who has made a name for herself in the film industry. She began her acting career with a small role in the film “Gangs of Wasseypur,” but it was her performance in the 2012 film “Gangs of Wasseypur Part 2” that earned her critical acclaim.

source: Instagram

11. Vidya Balan

Known for her bold and unconventional roles on-screen. Vidya Balan is a legendary actress. She made her Bollywood debut in 2005 with the film “Parineeta,” and has since become one of the most acclaimed actresses in the industry. Vidya is known for her performances in films such as “Kahaani,” “The Dirty Picture,” and “Tumhari Sulu.”

source: Instagram

12. Neha Dhupia

Neha Dhupia is a bold and fearless actress who has made a significant impact on the Indian film industry. She made her Bollywood debut in 2003 with the film “Qayamat: City Under Threat,” and has since become known for her powerful performances in films such as “Ek Chalis Ki Last Local” and “Tumhari Sulu.” Neha is also a vocal advocate for women’s rights and gender equality.

source: Instagram 

13. Kalki Koechlin

Kalki Koechlin is widely recognized as a bold and fearless actress in Bollywood, owing to her willingness to explore unconventional roles and subvert societal norms. She has carved a niche for herself by portraying unconventional and complex characters on-screen, such as a young girl with cerebral palsy in “Margarita with a Straw” and a sexually liberated woman in “Dev D.” Her performances have been lauded for their depth and authenticity, and she is known for speaking candidly about taboo subjects such as mental health and sexuality.

source: Instagram

These bold actresses of all of Bollywood have proven that they are not just glamorous faces on the silver screen, but powerful and multifaceted performers capable of portraying a wide range of characters. Through their bravery and tenacity, they have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations of actresses to follow in their footsteps.