Vidya Balan’s journey in Bollywood is a truly special one. From her debut to becoming one of the most respected actors in the industry, she changed the game by leading films and picking roles that were not just about a hero. Her choice of characters, from complex and nuanced to bold and fearless, has not only won her a ton of awards but also proved that a great script and a powerful performance can make a movie a hit, no matter who the lead is. She has consistently challenged stereotypes and redefined what it means to be a leading actress in Bollywood, making way for more female-led films to find success and be taken seriously by both audiences and filmmakers.

Here are some of her most memorable films in which her performances impressed the audiences.

Parineeta (2005)

This was Vidya Balan’s big debut, and she completely won everyone over. She plays Lalita, a woman caught between her love for her childhood friend and the circumstances that separate them. Her performance felt real and natural, capturing the innocence, heartbreak, and resilience of her character. She really set the stage for her career with this one, showing she had the emotional depth to handle complex roles right from the start.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)

In this film, Vidya plays Avni, a woman who is believed to be possessed by a spirit. Her performance as Manjulika is iconic. The way she shifts from being a sweet, simple woman to a menacing, vengeful spirit was absolutely chilling and impactful. She brought a certain elegance to the horror genre, making her character terrifying and memorable at the same time.

Paa (2009)

Vidya’s role as the single mother, Dr. Vidya, in Paa is a beautiful portrayal of unconditional love. She acts as the mother of a boy (played by Amitabh Bachchan) with a rare genetic disorder called Progeria. Her performance is full of genuine emotions of the struggle, the pain, and the strong love of a mother. She makes you feel every bit of her character’s journey.

Ishqiya (2010)

In Ishqiya, Vidya takes on the role of Krishna, a mysterious and charming woman in a rural setting. She’s not your typical heroine in this film, rather she is shown to be cunning, manipulative, and bold. Vidya’s performance in Ishqiya was raw and full of surprises. She really gets into the skin of the character, showing a different side of herself and proving her range as an actress.

No One Killed Jessica (2011)

Vidya plays Sabrina Lal, the real-life sister of Jessica Lal, who fights for justice after her sister’s murder. Her performance is a quiet but powerful one. She shows the frustration, pain, and determination of a woman who just wants the truth to come out. It’s a grounded and emotionally heavy role, and Vidya plays it with a lot of dignity and strength.

The Dirty Picture (2011)

This movie is perhaps one of Vidya’s most unforgettable performances. She plays Silk Smitha, a sensational actress from the 80s, and completely owns the role. She lives through Silk’s journey, from her rise to fame to her struggles and downfall. It’s a bold and fearless performance that shows her ability to have a commanding screen presence and carry an entire film on her shoulders. Her dedication to the role was so evident that she won the Filmfare Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) Award and also received a National Film Award.

Kahaani (2012)

In Kahaani, Vidya plays Vidya Bagchi, a pregnant woman searching for her missing husband in Kolkata. Her performance is so convincing that you are completely invested in her story. The film’s suspense and twists are built entirely around her character. Vidya’s performance of a vulnerable woman who is actually a lot stronger than she appears is the crux of the film. It was yet another strong performance by Vidya. Again she won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) for this performance.

Tumhari Sulu (2017)

Vidya is a delight to watch as Sulu, a happy-go-lucky housewife who becomes a late-night radio jockey. The film is all about her dreams and how she manages her new job with her family life. Vidya’s performance is relatable, charming, and full of warmth. She shows that it’s never too late to follow your passion and that ordinary people can have extraordinary journeys.

Shakuntala Devi (2020)

In this biopic, Vidya brings the famous “human computer” Shakuntala Devi to life. She aced the wit, confident personality, and even the flaws of Shakuntala Devi’s personality. Vidya made the character feel lively and real in this film. The movie is a fun and insightful look into the life of a genius, and Vidya’s performance is the reason it works so well.

Sherni (2021)