Eleven years after the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign ignited a national conversation on girl child empowerment, Bollywood has emerged as a powerful ally. Post-2014 releases have spotlighted women not as victims, but as architects of change, tackling everything from crime to mental health with bold storytelling.
Kicking off the trend, Rani Mukerji’s 2014 Mardaani introduced Shivani Roy, a fearless policewoman dismantling trafficking rings. Gopi Puthran’s taut thriller flipped action-hero conventions, with Mukerji’s nuanced performance elevating the narrative. Fans eagerly await Mardaani 3, signaling the franchise’s enduring appeal.
Mukerji’s versatility shone in Hichki (2018), where she portrayed Naina Mathur battling neurological challenges while inspiring wayward teens. Siddharth P. Malhotra crafted a feel-good drama that humanizes invisible disabilities, reinforcing that true strength lies in vulnerability and resolve.
Shifting gears, Dear Zindagi (2016) featured Alia Bhatt as Kaira, unraveling personal demons through therapy sessions with Shah Rukh Khan. Gauri Shinde masterfully blended humor and introspection, promoting mental health awareness and women’s quest for authentic happiness.
Meghna Gulzar’s Raazi (2018) elevated Bhatt to spy thriller stardom as Sehmat, sacrificing personal life for national duty amid the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict. The ensemble cast amplified her poised bravery, making it a benchmark for women-led patriotism.
Taapsee Pannu dominated Thappad (2020), Anubhav Sinha’s poignant critique of marital abuse. Amrita’s transformation from silenced wife to empowered individual sparks vital dialogues on gender roles and justice within homes.
Sudipto Sen’s The Kerala Story (2023) gripped viewers with Adah Sharma’s Shalini, a young woman radicalized and trafficked overseas. Her arc, intertwined with friends’ fates, underscores resilience against ideological captivity.
This cinematic renaissance reflects societal evolution under progressive policies. By centering women’s voices, Bollywood fosters a culture of empowerment, urging viewers to champion equality in every sphere.