1 / 7'Mother India' is probably one of the first Bollywood films with a strong female protagonist. Directed by Mehboob Khan, the film released in 1957 and made a glorifying space in the history of Indian films. The film was India's official nomination at the Oscars that year and was a powerful representation of a woman who rose against all odds to raise her sons.2 / 7Anushka Sharma - NH10 - Anushka Sharma's first production venture, NH10 portrayed her as the woman who commands her right in her relationship, protects herself and even fights for her own good.3 / 7Sridevi - English Vinglish - English Vinglish not only marked Sridevi’s return to silver screen, it also brought a fresh wave of light-hearted cinema that was emotionally inspiring - Sridevi’s character, Shashi, plays a housewife in a judgemental family and decides to earn some respect. Not only does she succeed in that, she also reiterates that she gets to choose what she wants to do.4 / 7Astitva - Tabu - The critically acclaimed film 'Astitva' starring Tabu is one of the finest directions of filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar. The film featured an ensemble star cast and is based on the story of a woman, who after being deprived of love from her husband, who fails to give her the time she desires, seeks love from another man. 5 / 7Kangana Ranaut - Queen - Perhaps, the best performance of her career, Kangana Ranaut plays a simple innocent girl who turns into a liberated woman, decides not to soak himself in self pity after her boyfriend ditches her, and travels places on her own.6 / 7Shabana Azmi - Arth - A Mahesh Bhatt directorial, Shabana plays a housewife who is betrayed by a cheating husband. Fighting with depression and much more, she manages to find the strength and courage to not only move on but also forgive and let go of the husband.7 / 7An acclaimed film, of Vidya Balan, wherein she plays a character who is pregnant and has come to India in search of her husband but the movie ends with her bravery and how she turns into this strong woman is an incredible show.