Bollywood’s fondness for bringing multifaceted characters, especially gangsters to life on the silver screen is well known. The iconic portrayals of such characters not only challenges the actors, but also leave a lasting impression on the audience.
Here’s a glimpse into some Bollywood actresses who have fearlessly stepped into the shoes of gangsters and made these roles unforgettable-
1. Richa Chadha – Fukrey
In the very famous Fukrey trilogy, Richa Chadha is seen in the role of Bholi Punjaban, who’s a Delhi gangster with a sharp wit and a fiery attitude. Her portrayal of the character is a delightful blend of ambition, quirkiness, hostility, and endearing charm. Rumor has it that Bholi Punjaban’s character was inspired by the real-life gangster Sonu Punjaban. Richa’s fearless approach to this character reflects her own boldness, making it a role to remember.
2. Alia Bhatt – Gangubai Kathiawadi
Alia Bhatt’s role in the biographical drama “Gangubai Kathiawadi” was that of Gangubai, a legendary mafia queen of Kamathipura, and Alia brought depth and authenticity to the character. Her portrayal was so captivating that it earned her the National Award for Best Actress. The film’s inspired by Hussain Zaidi’s book “Mafia Queen,” and showcases Gangubai’s journey from a victim to a powerful force against exploitation.
3. Kritika Kamra – Bambai Meri Jaan
Kritika Kamra, who is known for her versatile acting, took the role of a formidable gangster’s sister in the series “Bambai Meri Jaan”. She is playing the role of ‘Habiba’, the sister of Gangstar Dara Ismail, ” This adaptation from Hussain Zaidi’s fictional book “Dongri to Dubai” sees Kritika in a never-seen-before avatar. The trailer alone left audiences astonished, and her portrayal promises to be a standout in her career.
4. Shraddha Kapoor – Haseena Parkar
Shraddha Kapoor underwent a stunning look transformation for “Haseena: The Queen of Mumbai.” She portrayed Haseena Parkar, often referred to as the “Godmother of Nagpada” or Aapa. Shraddha embraced a villainous role with gusto, and her gangsta look and performance garnered attention and praise, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
5. Isha Talwar – Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo
Isha Talwar surprised the audience with her portrayal of Bijlee. She’s a fierce bahu who runs a drug empire with her mother in the series “Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo.” This unique character that she played, challenged her as Bijlee is not only a part of the drug mafia but also represents the LGBTQ community. Her exceptional performance earned her rave reviews.
6. Radhika Madan – Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo
Although Isha Talwar played the role of a badass bahu in the drug mafia world in “Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo,” but it was Radhika Madan who brought a unique twist to the story. Radhika’s character was of Shanta, a daughter who actively participates in her mother’s drug empire. Unlike her real-life persona, Radhika’s character of Shanta is a stark contrast, which makes her performance even more impressive. In the series, Shanta conducts experiments to enhance the quality of the drugs, adding layers of complexity to her character.
7. Neha Dhupia – Phas Gaye Re Obama
In the 2010 film “Phas Gaye Re Obama,” Neha Dhupia took on a role that shattered stereotypes and left a lasting impact on the audience. She portrayed the character of Munni Madam, a dreaded gangster with a deep-seated animosity towards men. This unconventional character earned her comparisons to the infamous Gabbar Singh from Indian cinema. Neha’s portrayal of Munni Madam was powerful and fearless. Her character was unapologetically ruthless, and she dominated the screen with her charisma and authority.
