Vidya Balan spent years fronting the TV serial Hum Paanch and music videos before her luminous film debut in the Bengali drama Bhalo Theko (2003) and Hindi breakthrough in Parineeta (2005). Rather than chase conventional heroine roles, she bet on author-backed parts — the radio jockey of Lage Raho Munna Bhai, the single mother in Paa, the earthy widow of Ishqiya — and changed what a female star could carry.

Her run from 2010 to 2012 is the stuff of industry legend: No One Killed Jessica, The Dirty Picture (a National Film Award for her fearless Silk Smitha) and the twist-laden thriller Kahaani proved female-led films could be blockbusters. A Padma Shri recipient with seven Filmfare Awards, she remains prolific across Tumhari Sulu, Sherni and the smash Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.

Filmography Highlights

• Parineeta (2005) — Award-winning Hindi debut as Lolita
• Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006) — Blockbuster comedy as RJ Jhanvi
• Paa (2009) — Acclaimed drama opposite Amitabh Bachchan
• Ishqiya (2010) — Bold, earthy turn that reset her career
• The Dirty Picture (2011) — National Award-winning portrayal of Silk Smitha
• Kahaani (2012) — Iconic thriller carried single-handedly
• Tumhari Sulu (2017) — Warm hit as a housewife-turned-RJ
• Sherni (2021) — Understated forest-officer drama; critical favourite

Image: Wikimedia Commons. Part of the Top 50 Bollywood Celebrities series. Ranking inspired by popular industry listings; profiles are original editorial content.