Television lead actresses are arguably more prominent in the industry than their leading men. Be it picking up varied roles or taking bold fashion steps, they are not far behind their Bollywood counterparts. And along with this, their breakthrough performances are undoubtedly making all the right noises.

While earlier our leading ladies were only limited to ‘saas-bahu’ drama, today they have parts written for them which are equal parts challenging and progressive. What more, a few telly actresses are even making their way to Bollywood. And it will shock a few to know that our telly 'bahus' are raking in more moolah than some of their Bollywood counterparts!

As 2019 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on television’s best that captured the hearts and minds of the small screen audience.

Jennifer Winget - Beyhadh 2

You must be living under a rock if you are not aware that Jennifer Winget is by far one of the most renowned Indian television actresses. Known for her work in shows like Kasautii Zindagii Kay (2005-2008), Dill Mill Gayye (2008-2010), Saraswatichandra (2013-2014) among others, she still maintains popularity that is at par with Bollywood actresses. Jen has always been choosy with her shows and makes sure that the characters she picks are unique. At a time when leading ladies on TV were busy playing Ms.Goody Shoes, Jen took up the most challenging role of her career - an obsessive, psychopath lover Maya in Beyhadh (2018) and played a completely opposite character in Bepanaah! In 2019, the actress has returned as Maya for the second season of her super hit show Beyhadh 2 and this time she is more bold, jealous and OBSESSED beyond reasoning. Her on-screen chemistry with current co-star Shivin Narang and Aashish Chaudhary has made the show even more interesting. Jennifer is also hailed for her quirky sartorial picks. 

Hina Khan – Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2

Hina started her acting career as Akshara - the dutiful daughter, wife, daughter-in-law, and mother - with Star Plus’ Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai back in 2008. After quitting the show post 8 years, she dabbled with reality shows like Khatron Ke Khiladi 9 and Bigg Boss 11, both in 2017. The shows managed to put across a completely different side to Hina, breaking free from TV's 'bahu' typecast image. Shedding weight, embracing her sexy avatar, Hina made an unexpected turnaround by shunning her good-girl image to portray the popular vamp Komolika in Ekta Kapoor’s Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2 in 2018. For the unversed, the show landed Hina the spot of the highest-paid actress in the TV industry, however, owing to her flourishing stint in Bollywood (she is soon to make her debut), the actress quit the show this year. But what made 2019 steal the limelight was, Hina, making her grand debut at the 72nd International Cannes Film Festival at French Riviera. Her 'Chandiavali' to 'Cannes' moment diverted all the spotlights on the diva, who owned the red carpet like a boss!

Shivangi Joshi - Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai

Shivangi Joshi made her television debut in 2013 with Zee TV's Khelti Hai Zindagi Aankh Micholi but it was in 2016 with her role as Naira Singhania in Star Plus's Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, the actress tasted humongous success. All of 21 years, the actress has been essaying the role of a five-year-old in the show, with equal finesse and her chemistry with co-star Mohsin Khan is worth a watch. She is also one the most loved faces on TV and won multiple awards for her performances across channels!

Erica Fernandes - Kasautii Zindagii Kay

Erica Fernandes is currently winning hearts as Prerna in Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2 (2018 – present) and has the social media buzzing with her combination of good looks and acting chops. Her crackling chemistry with KZK2 co-star Parth Samthaan is to look out for. For those of you who aren’t aware, Erica started off as a model and acted in a few many regional films. She got her big telly break with Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi in 2016 opposite Shaheer Sheikh and proved to everyone that she was here to stay! Apart from full time acting, Erica is a part-time fashion blogger and influencer and is counted among the best-dressed stars in tinsel town. 

Divyanka Tripathi - Yeh Hai Mohabbattein

Television’s ‘favourite’ bahu Divyanka Tripathi has enjoyed immense popularity ever since she ventured onto the Indian television scene with Banoo Main Teri Dulhann in 2006. But it was Ekta Kapoor’s popular soap Yeh Hai Mohabbatein which made her a household name in 2013. Her emotionally charged portrayal of Dr. Ishita Bhalla has fetched her many awards. It won't be wrong to say that she is the darling of the audience! Playing the role of a mother to finding her love, DT has embarked on a lovely journey in YHM, a show which recently bid adieu to its fans. This year, the actress also embarked on a new journey with Ekta Kapoor's web series Cold Lassi Aur Chicken Masala this year opposite Rajeev Khandelwal. Her transformation to ‘bahu bani babe’ has fetched been talk of the town, and her fitness regime is nothing short of inspiring. 

Surbhi Chandna – Sanjivani 2

After several small roles on television, Surbhi Chandna got her big break role in Zee TV's daily soap Qubool Hai (2012), in which she portrayed Haya, a deaf-mute. Later starring as Anika in Ishqbaa (2016-2019), her chemistry with television heartthrob Nakuul Mehta set the small screen ablaze and sent the TRPs soaring. After gaining love for Anika’s childish but loving character, Surbhi chose to make an exit from the daily soap in 2018 since the makers decided to take a generation leap, which required her to play the role of a mother. Now, the actress is back at it as Dr. Ishani Arora with Sanjivani 2. Her never-seen-before avatar as a sensible and serious doctor and sizzling chemistry with co-star Namit Khanna is making fans fall in love with her all over again.

Nia Sharma - Ishq Mein Marjawan & Naagin 4

This stunning actress started her career with Kaali – Ek Agnipariksha in 2010 but it was her role as Maavi in Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai (2011-2013) that cemented her position on television. Nia later moved to Jamai Raja (2014.2017) opposite Ravi Dubey and is currently seen as Brinda in Naagin 4. The actress was also seen in revenge drama Ishq Mein Marjawan in 2018 as Aarohi Kashyap but the show went off air this year. Nia is hailed one of the sexiest women in Asia and post successful stint in web with Jamai Raja 2.0, she went to helm the fourth installment of Ekta Kapoor’s super famous show Naagin and lies upon her the huge responsibility to take the successful series ahead.  

Dipika Kakar - Kahaan Hum Kahaan Tum

After ruling over the television space for seven long years as Simar in Sasural Simar Ka (2011-2018), Dipika Kakar went on to participate in Salman Khan’s controversial reality show Bigg Boss 12 in 2018. She came out as a winner from the show and won several hearts, with people loving her unabashed straightforward personality. After her stint in the show, Dipika went on to star in a romantic show Kahaan Hum Kahaan Tum this year and made a commendable comeback. Currently seen as Sonakshi Rastogi in the show, Dipika is making all the right noises, portraying her real-life role of a TV actress, in the show, with much gravitas. 

Shraddha Arya - Kundali Bhagya

Shraddha Arya made her way into the hearts of fans with television shows like Main Lakshmi Tere Aangan Ki (2011-2012), Tumhari Paakhi (2013.2014) and Dream Girl (2015-2016). She has also done films such as Paathshaala (2010) and Nishabd (2007) and been a part of several ad campaigns as well. But it was her portrayal of Dr. Preeta Arora in Kundali Bhagya, which started in 2017, which got her the well-deserved limelight. Her chemistry with co-star Dheeraj Dhoopar is also considered as the main highlight of her rising popularity. Fans love how Shraddha as Preeta has a solution to all her problems and how the actress aces her role.

Rubina Dilaik - Shakti — Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki

Ten years ago, Rubina started her acting career with Choti Bahu – Sindoor Bin Suhagan (2010-2012) and has remained popular in the industry ever since. She is a director’s delight for pulling off both emotional and light-hearted scenes with finesse and ease. Not to forget, she has been receiving constant appreciation for her unconventional and bold choice of her role as Saumya (a eunuch) in Shakti - Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki (2016 – present) and we must say, it needs a lot of guts and belief to play the part. The show is running successfully and is topping the TRP charts.

(Source: PeepingMoon)