In 2024, while some films showcased groundbreaking performances by male actors, others were truly driven by female leads who not just stood tall with their act but turned out to be the soul of their respective films this year.
With their compelling performances and captivating screen presence, these actresses carried their films on their shoulders. Their powerful characters left a lasting impression on the audience and garnered tremendous love. As we approach the end of this year, let’s take a look at some female actors who truly became the heart of their films.
Rashmika Mandanna
The national crush, Rashmika Mandanna, returned as the beloved Srivalli in Pushpa 2: The Rule, enchanting audiences with her undeniable charm. Her nuanced portrayal and strong grasp of the character elevated her role to new heights, leaving a lasting impact in the much-anticipated sequel.
Deepika Padukone
Hailed as the Queen of Indian Cinema, Deepika Padukone ruled 2024 with back-to-back blockbusters, including Fighter, Kalki 2898 AD, and Singham Again. She took on diverse roles, nailing every shade of her characters while establishing her dominance across Pan-India. Her portrayal of Lady Singham in Singham Again, as part of Rohit Shetty’s cop universe, left everyone in awe, and the audience is waiting for the standalone Lady Singham film with utmost excitement.
Yami Gautam Dhar
A powerhouse in herself Yami Gautam, in Article 370, portrayed an NIA agent and captivated the masses. Stepping into a challenging role, she played it with utmost finesse, earning unanimous praise and love from both audiences and critics. Not only was she hailed as the finest performer yet again, but also, the film received a thunderous response.
Shraddha Kapoor
Shraddha Kapoor, with her massive fan base, owned the year with Stree 2. Returning to this beloved franchise, she became the first female lead to achieve such record-breaking success. Her performance proved her dominance as a solo female lead, shining above all.
Kriti Sanon
This year was truly a pathbreaking one for Kriti Sanon. She became the first actress to play a robot in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya and also turned producer with Do Patti, in which she portrayed dual roles. The National Award-winning actress explored new horizons, achieving one milestone after another with her strong characters.
Kareena Kapoor Khan
Kareena Kapoor Khan delivered stellar performances in Crew and Singham Again. In Crew, she won hearts as an air hostess, while in Singham Again, she reprised her role as Avni, Singham’s wife, this time embodying a character inspired by Divine Sita. She stood out with her impactful performances in both films.