Alia Bhatt, Radhika Apte to Samara Tijori: Actresses Who Changed Gears with Unconventional & Uncomfortable Roles

For Bollywood actresses of today, staying in their comfort zones is not comfortable anymore. Leading ladies are going anti-formula with their on-screen choices and are bringing to life unconventional roles – all while introducing new shades of cinema and acting potential. Certain films highlight that these actresses have chosen performances over commercial gains, and honestly – they are regarded as some of the best performances we’ve seen! Take a look:

Priyanka Chopra Jonas – Barfi
If Meghna Mathur from Fashion was watching Jhilmil in Barfi, we think she would be really proud to ditch the glam for once and embrace one of her landmark performances. In the cult film Barfi, Priyanka Chopra strayed from commercials to step into a role that put her fine acting skills on full display. To portray autism on-screen is just the opposite of playing comfortable – but Priyanka Chopra has never been the one to play it safe or conventional.

Alia Bhatt – Highway*
In Highway, Alia Bhatt literally took audiences on a ride through her internal conflicts, depicting the unusual peace that comes from an unplanned, risky adventure. To play a young girl who has suffered physical abuse amid the safest walls of her home does not exude comfort, it shows the daring to disappear behind the trauma to amplify the meaning of self-freedom.

Radhika Apte – Sister Midnight
Ever since Sister Midnight released, Radhika Apte went viral all over the internet for her quirks, unkempt looks, slangs and her approach to handling situations, whether they involve her on-screen husband or neighbours. The film shows Radhika Apte morph into a ruthless, feral force within her marital confines – and with her brilliant acting skills, she served a performance that’s unapologetically wild and audaciously unpredictable.

Samara Tijori – Daldal
Samara Tijori played a bloodied murderer in her latest release, Daldal, and going by the dread she reigns with a murder weapon and cold stares, it surely looks like her portrayal as Anita is far from comfortable. But understanding the psyche of a murderer is what made Samara bring out the best in her, making her offer one of the most compelling performances.

Taapsee Pannu – Thappad
“Ek thappad hai, par nahi maar sakta_” – if you remember this classic dialogue, then Taapsee Pannu’s performance in Thappad has truly left a mark. Thappad stands as one of the most off-beat and much-needed film in today’s time that continues to stay relevant, reminding women of their self-respect and the need to stand up for themselves.*Konkona Sen Sharma – Accused
Earlier, Konkona Sen Sharma spread absolute chills and horror in Ek Thi Daayan, and now she steps into a dark space yet again with her upcoming Netflix project, Accused. The story places her in an intense, character-first drama, wherein a respected doctor faces damaging reputations. Directed by Anubhuti Kashyap, Accused stands out for its dark theme and a close focus on its characters, and audiences are curious to see what’s to unfold with Konkona. Accused is scheduled to release on 27th February.

These actresses are gems in Bollywood’s treasure who’ve often served unforgettable big screen experiences – and the world is watching!