Best of 2015: Top 10 female lead performances of the year

It would indeed be apt to say that 2015 was a year of the leading ladies. From Kangana Ranaut’s power packed performance in Tanu Wes Manu Returns to Deepika Padukone’s stint in Piku, we will continue to remember this year for some of the power-packed performances by the women of the Hindi film industry. As the year draws to a close, we remember some of the characters they portrayed on the screen that mesmerised us:

a) Kangana Ranaut in Tanu Weds Manu Returns as ‘Kussum’

The raw and unconventional, yet free-spirited character of Kussum entertained the audiences to the fullest. This character was much loved as it brought a different side of Kangana to people. No doubt that her performance as 'Simran' in Gangster or a 'Rani' of Queen was challenging, but among the many great performances given by Kangana, 'Kussum' would be etched in our minds.

Check out the fiery 'Kussum' in this song

b) Deepika Padukone in Piku as ‘Piku’

Strong, independent yet ‘solved’ define the character of 'Piku' in Deepika Padukone. Melting our hearts as the ideal daughter and in reconciliation with herself, Piku reached out to every modern Indian woman. Of course, one cannot forget to credit Shoojit Sircar's writing for making Piku a character which every woman across ages or nationalities will surely cherish.

Watch Deepika Padukone going all correct in 'Piku'

c) Priyanka Chopra in Bajirao Mastani as 'Kashibai'

After blowing away our minds with 'Jhilmil' from Barfi and as India's greatest female boxer 'Mary Kom', Priyanka Chopra has just added another feather to her hat with 'Kashibai'. Her grace, her elegance and her determination to do so much even with a lesser screen time is commendable. If ever the role of a Marathi princess has to be remembered, we will always remember your name, Piggy Chops!

Watch ethereal performance by Priyanka Chopra in the song:

d) Deepika Padkukone in Bajirao Mastani as 'Mastani'

The Number 1 actress of Bollywood steals our heart once again as the gracious 'Mastani' who fights till the end for her love. Not that we did not enjoy 'Taara' from Tamasha, but the royal Mastani remains the flavour of the season for Padukone. Her performance in the movie and her chemistry with Ranveer Singh will remain eternal, quite like the love story of Bajirao and Mastani.

Watch Deepika's mersmerising performance in this one:

e) Shraddha Kapoor in ABCD 2 as 'Vinnie'

She is fearless and she is sexy. Shraddha Kapoor sizzled in the movie as 'Vinnie' is sparkling. In fact, Vinnie manages to match steps with Suresh, played by Varun Dhawan graciously. She is charming when she moves, sizzling when she talks and shares the screen with her co-star with such grace, it makes Vinnie memorable for us.

Watch the dancer 'Vinnie' in Shraddha Kapoor's 'Sun Saathiya':

f) Tabu in Drishyam as 'IG Meera Deshmukh'

What do you call a woman whose sole expressions state a thousand emotions? That is what happens on the screens when Tabu acts. Her roles as the fierce cop but an equally vulnerable mother made our hearts screech out to a relatable performance. A comparison to her poise and her performance delivery is unmatchable. She steals hearts in Drishyam and makes it a must watch.

Watch the steady performance of Tabu in this one:

g) Bhumi Pednekar in Dum Laga Ke Haisha as 'Sandhya'

There are only a  few actresses in the industry that deliver some smashing performances in their first films and Bhumi Pednekar’s act as ‘Sandhya’ is one of them. Simple but a self-confident and independent character when marries a lesser educated and immature character played by Ayusshman Khurana is the result that is Dum Laga Ke Haisha. Bhumi is adorable as 'Sandya' in the movie and so we can never forget her role in it.

Watch Bhumi Pednekar's smashing performance in the song:

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h) Kalki Koechlin in Margarita With a Straw as 'Laila'

Taking up the subject of  portraying a normal life for a mentally-challenged people and delivering it to the fullest is Kalki Koechlin’s 'Margarita with a Straw'. Her role as ‘Laila’ shines throughout the movie as we see her battling in life through various stages of family, friendship and love. What keep her character with us even after the film, is Kalki’s ability to justify her role to the fullest. Endearing indeed!

Check out Kalki's endearing performance as 'Laila' in this:

i) Anushka Sharma in NH10 as 'Meera'

When a woman who musters up courage to go against all those who did wrong to her, revolts in action, we get to see a character like 'Meera' in NH10. She not only revolted but also stood for what is right. Sharma’s confidence and fearfulness in playing this role, is what makes NH10 what it is. A powerful movie with a strong message was tactfully essayed with her performance.

Watch how Anushka rocks as 'Meera' in the film:

j) Aishwarya Rai  in Jazbaa as 'Anuradha Verma'

Not that we have not seen a single mother's journey to save her family before but Aishwarya Rai as 'Anuradha Verma' in Jazbaa who is trying to win her daughter back from a kidnapper seems perfect. In fact, the wait for her comeback to the silver screen was justified with this role. Aishwarya dutifully carried out her role in this. Two thumbs up!

Watch Aishwarya Rai's perfect embodiment of a caring mom in this one

So, these are the top 10 female-lead performances which we will never forget from 2015. However, what we only expect from Bollywood is to go beyond  mothers and princesses for women as protagonists and showcase a different set-up like a Lady astronaut or something. 2016, maybe?