8 Strong Women Characters From Bollywood Movies That Inspire Us | Divya Toshniwal|

Navratri is all about 'Nari Shakti'. The feminine divine is higher than anything that exists. It is certainly what created the entire nature including humans. Though we have seen that women have been held back and restricted from unleashing their true power , now they are more aware of it and prepared to embrace themselves.

Bollywood has been claimed to be very hero-centric and females have just had a supporting role towards the male actors. But time and now we have got amazing female-centric films with brilliant actresses portraying brilliant characters.  Here is a list of my favorite Bollywood female-centric movies that had characters to teach and inspire us.

Kahaani

Shot in my own city of Kolkata this one is closer to heart. The character of vidya is determined to find her missing husband in such conditions when women don't even think of moving out. Well, that was all drama but the extraordinary journey of reaching a criminal mastermind was brilliantly planned and executed. Vidya showed us that a woman can turn her grief into her strength and if she decides she can definitely achieve everything she desires.

Queen

A fun but sensitive movie Queen made a special place in our hearts. Rani on her marriage been broken decides not to sulk and cry in a corner, rather she decides to go on her honeymoon and fulfill her wish to visit Paris. The whole journey is a transformation journey of a sensitive, shy and scared girl who by the end of the journey is confident, happy and self-sufficient.  Rani shows us how a woman can have fun and fulfill her dreams without a man by her side.

English Vinglish 

The comeback movie of Sridevi was a blast. Shashi who is never given any importance in her family by her husband and children gets an opportunity to turn her life around when she is invited to a wedding in New York. A woman who does not understand English is determined to learn English in a few days that she has in New York. The classes turned out to open a new avenue in her life where she finds appreciation,  confidence and falls in love with herself again, later changing the point of view of her family too. Shashi tells us how important it is to have self-respect and love yourself, no matter what the world thinks.

Thappad

The recent slap on the patriarchal society is this stunning movie featuring Tapsee Pannu. The character of Amrita from being a bubbly happy housewife, taking care of everyone and doing everything to make the family happy to standing up for herself and fighting for her respect was brilliantly played. We could connect to her on so many levels. Amrita shows us how important it is to stand against the wrong and that maintaining a relationship at a cost of your self-respect is just not worth it.

Astitva

A story on extramarital affairs and the clear difference of behaviors with a woman and a man regarding the same is the basis of this movie. While this movie also showcases how a woman is suppressed and not allowed to work outside, how her dreams and desires are never given any importance and how every blame in the society is put on her shoulders. In clear words, its dialogues portray how a man can have extramarital affairs as many as he wants while a woman's one moment of weakness is termed as sin and her entire life is turned upside down. Aditi teaches us that it's ok to leave behind such family and step out to create your own identity.

Aitraaz

A love story that starts with a fun-loving and bubbly Priya Saxena turns her into a strong and bold lawyer when her husband's past creates trouble in their present. She fights for what is right and saves her husband from defamation. Priya teaches us to leave the past behind, have trust in her husband and fight for him rather than fighting with him. She inspires us to gain strength in order to fight for the truth.

NH10

The character of Meera in NH10 can never be forgotten. When it comes to revenge a woman can break all barriers. Meera devasted by the death of her fiance chooses survival and revenge over grief. She turns the world upside down to seek revenge from the people who killed her husband. Meera teaches us that a woman is not weak. Not even physically.

Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara

Though the movie was all about the journey of 3 friends the short spanned character of Laila left a big impact on us. A free bird that knows how to live. She lives in the moment and never let regret cross her mind ever. Making spontaneous actions and decisions and being ok with them is what makes her special. She is not into the rat race to earn. Laila teaches us how to live life and that a person should be in a box only when they die.

There are many more characters that have been inspiring many. Which character you think should have been added to the list?