It’s a universally known fact that Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 every year. While people across the globe might celebrate the power of womanhood only once a year, there are some women who remind us every day to defy societal rules and setting new benchmarks. They are not only an inspiration for everyone around them but will certainly enlighten generations to come.
Luckily, our Indian film fraternity also has several leading ladies, who have questioned the regular norms of society and did things in which they believed, strongly.
So let's take a look at 10 B-town celebrities who have managed to re-define woman identity:
Priyanka Chopra
As we all know, Priyanka is one of the renowned Bollywood actresses but she is definitely the only mainstream Hindi star who has made a mark for herself in Hollywood. From starring in Quantico to doing films like Baywatch, Isn't It Romantic, the actress is ruling both the industries. Add to this, she recently tied the knot with American singer Nick Jonas, who is 10 years younger to her. Well, let Priyanka tell you how to live life on her own terms, unapologetically.
Sushmita Sen
The former Miss Universe and actress set an example for everyone by adopting a girl at the age of 25 without a man by her side, back in the early 2000s'. She went on to adopt one more girl and is aging like fine wine, inspiring young women across the world to stay fit and living life on their own terms. Currently, she is dating a 27-year old model Rohman Shawl and has no qualms in accepting it in public.
Tahira Kashyap
Until a few months ago, Tahira was known as a star-wife to popular actor Ayushmann Khurrana. However, she emerged as a winner and inspired many women during her fight with cancer earlier this year. What’s more? She went on to shave her head and looked absolutely gorgeous in her new look. And all this while, her newfound fans are gearing up with witness her first feature film, which she is set to direct soon.
Sonali Bendre
Extremely beautiful and highly successful actress Sonali, who has been in the industry for decades, left everyone in a state of shock after she opened up on her diagnosis of cancer, which had metastasized. But it was her fearless approach towards the deadly disease and making sure to #SwitchOnTheSunshine, which helped everyone around her to stay positive. Not to forget, she recently flaunted her 20-inch cancer scar on her stomach during a photoshoot and claimed that she has finally overcome fear.
Kangana Ranaut
She is one actress who is not only bold in her choices of roles but has managed to stay vocal about everything in a society where people tend to shut women up. Coming from a humble non-filmy background, Kangana struggled with her personal life apart facing isolation from the industry, albeit for her fight against powerful B-towners like Karan Johar and Hrithik Roshan. But of course, that did not deter her from being provocative and successful at the same time. Now with her last release Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, she took over its reins as a director as well.
Tanushree Dutta
It is a known fact that Tanushree has become synonymous with the #MeToo movement in India. After facing sexual harassment on the sets of 2008 film Horn Ok Pleasss, the former beauty queen headed to the United States, only to return 10 years later and wage a war against her perpetrators so that every woman in this country has the courage to stand up for herself.
Sonam Kapoor
Supporting the rights of the LGBTQ community, Sonam has never shied away from voicing her opinions on the issue and went on to play a lesbian woman in father Anil Kapoor starrer Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga. Be it her bold fashion choices, which has made her recognize as a global fashion icon or calling a spade a spade on social media platforms, this star kid has been fearless in her approach towards life.
Malaika Arora
A fabulous dancer and a fitness enthusiast, Malaika took over her life and happiness after she announced her divorce from Arbaaz Khan last year. Post that, she not only maintained a cordial relationship with her former husband but has been vocal about how one should not fear to move out of a loveless marriage. Currently, Malaika is dating Arjun Kapoor, who is 11 years younger to her, and does not hide her relationship in public.
Kareena Kapoor Khan
Kareena proved that getting married and having a child at her the peak of her career is not a bad decision, and won't serve as a deterrent to an actress. She not only worked during her pregnancy days but has paved the way for other B-town ladies as well. Post delivering Taimur Ali Khan in December 2016, Bebo returned to work with an all-women film called Veere Di Wedding and since there has been no looking back.
Neena Gupta
A lot of people might know and judge Neena Gupta time and again for having a child out of wedlock back in the 90s' but we cannot forget that she is one of the most talented actresses in Hindi cinema. Starring in several hit serials and films, Neena didn't shy away from asking work on social media, which could do justice to her caliber. She impressed everyone last year with her act of a pregnant middle-aged woman in Ayushmann Khurrana starrer Badhaai Ho, and will soon bring her iconic TV series Saans back for viewers.
Here's wishing International Women's Day to everyone!