By most industry measures, going bold on screen used to be a risky bet. Today, it often marks the start of an unstoppable ascent. Across Indian cinema, from Bollywood to regional gems, we’ve seen talented actresses evolve from typecast roles to critical and commercial stardom by daring to play raw, uninhibited characters.
These roles often come wrapped in controversy, but what follows is usually a surge of visibility, autonomy, and fame. Here’s a closer look at 10 Indian actresses who embraced boldness and redefined their careers.
1. Tripti Dimri – Animal (2023)
Tripti Dimri didn’t just act in Animal; she exploded onto the national radar with a fearless sensuality that brought nuance to a character many assumed would be a side note. Her intimate scenes with Ranbir Kapoor sparked headlines, memes, and fascination.
Almost overnight, Tripti went from indie darling (Bulbbul) to one of Bollywood’s most sought-after names. Though she reportedly lost a role that required a “pious” image, she landed a leading part opposite Prabhas in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s next, proof that boldness can open bigger, bolder doors.
2. Vidya Balan – The Dirty Picture (2011)
No list would be complete without Vidya Balan, the poster child for turning bold into bankable. Before The Dirty Picture, she was admired. After it? She became an unstoppable force. Balan’s portrayal of Silk Smitha was provocative, layered, tragic, funny, and unforgettable.
The National Award she won was merely confirmation of what audiences already felt: she had arrived, and she wasn’t leaving. Today, Vidya commands her space, often headlining women-led stories (Tumhari Sulu, Sherni) with total authority.
3. Zareen Khan – Hate Story 3 (2015)
Zareen Khan was once pegged as a demure lookalike of Katrina Kaif, but she shed that image entirely with Hate Story 3. The erotic thriller, loaded with steamy scenes and chartbuster songs, gave her a new identity: that of a sultry siren.
For a brief but bright period, Zareen became a staple in music videos, item numbers, and lead roles in B-grade thrillers. Though she hasn’t maintained that momentum in mainstream cinema, her shift in image still commands social media fandom and niche roles.
4. Daisy Shah – Hate Story 3 (2015)
Much like Zareen, Daisy Shah went from Salman Khan’s sidekick in Jai Ho to a headlining bold avatar in Hate Story 3. While the film drew mixed reviews, it gave Daisy a persona beyond the “cute girl next door.” She soon diversified into thrillers and dance-centric content. Though she hasn’t had a major theatrical hit since, the bold role rebooted her brand.
5. Tamannaah Bhatia – Lust Stories 2 (2023)
Tamannaah, long associated with South Indian blockbusters and epic period dramas, flipped the script with Lust Stories 2. Her on-screen chemistry with Vijay Varma was both daring and critically appreciated.
The Netflix anthology allowed her to express vulnerability, sensuality, and command in a way the mainstream hadn’t allowed her before. Her follow-up roles have continued in the OTT space, proving her adaptability.
6. Madhuri Dixit – Dayavan (1988)
Even legends had to take that risk. Madhuri Dixit’s bold scene in Dayavan was controversial at the time, but it was her daring performance in Beta (and later, the sensuality of Hum Aapke Hain Koun…!) that cemented her as Bollywood’s most graceful blend of bold and traditional. Her current OTT presence (The Fame Game) reflects the wisdom of someone who’s long mastered her narrative.
7. Rajshri Deshpande – Sacred Games (2018)
In a single, stark scene in Sacred Games, Rajshri Deshpande redefined how boldness could coexist with substance. She wasn’t objectified, she was powerful, emotional, and real. Critics applauded her courage, and she soon found herself in globally recognized indie gems like Angry Indian Goddesses and Trial by Fire.
8. Kubbra Sait – Sacred Games (2018)
Another breakout from Sacred Games, Kubbra Sait’s portrayal of Kukoo, a transgender bar dancer, was equal parts raw and transformative. Her bold performance didn’t just surprise audiences, it challenged Bollywood’s traditional approach to gender and sexuality. She’s since become a prominent face in global web series and indie cinema.
9. Kani Kusruti – Biriyani (2019)
An acclaimed name in Malayalam cinema, Kani’s shift to web series saw her embrace politically charged and sexually bold characters. Her nuanced performance in Biriyani showcased how a bold role, when rooted in purpose, can elevate an actor to national attention. She’s now recognized for her brains as much as her on-screen boldness.
10. Kiara Advani – Lust Stories (2018)
Kiara’s defining moment came in Lust Stories, specifically a now-iconic scene involving a certain… appliance. That moment launched a thousand memes, and her career. Post-Lust Stories, she landed massive roles in Kabir Singh, Shershaah, and Jugjugg Jeeyo. Kiara is now a top-tier commercial actress, effortlessly balancing glam with girl-next-door.
Bold Moves, Bigger Careers
If there’s one takeaway from this evolution, it’s this: boldness isn’t the opposite of talent, it’s often its most honest expression. These actresses didn’t just undress for roles; they stripped away comfort zones, societal labels, and one-dimensional characters. In doing so, they redefined not just their careers, but the very language of modern Indian storytelling.
In cinema, as in life, sometimes you have to go bold to go big.
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