Over the years, Bollywood’s leading ladies have transitioned from national icons to true global powerhouses. Be it Deepika Padukone making history as the first Indian actress to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame or Priyanka Chopra Jonas starring in international projects, these women are redefining Indian representation on the world's most prestigious platforms. As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, here's a look at 12 such ladies who have not only represented the country globally but also made the nation proud.
Updated On: 2026-03-06 02:42 PM IST
Compiled by : Amarylisa Gonsalves
Lara Dutta
Lara Dutta won Miss Intercontinental 1997 and followed it up by winning the Miss Universe 2000 pageant in Cyprus.
Harnaaz Sandhu
Harnaaz Sandhu won the Miss Universe crown in 2021, ending India’s 21-year wait for the title and captured global attention.
Alia Bhatt
Apart from being the ambassador of international brands, Alia has also made appearances at the Met Gala. Besides, she recently presented at the 2026 BAFTA Awards. She was also honoured with the Golden Globe Horizon Award at the Red Sea International Film Festival in 2025. The actress also made her Hollywood debut in Heart of Stone.
Manushi Chhillar
Manushi won the Miss World 2017 pageant to become the sixth Indian to be crowned Miss World after 17 years.
Kiara Advani
Kiara gained global attention after making her Met Gala debut in 2025. She also ttended the Red Sea International Film Festival, participating in the Women In Cinema panel.
Lakshmipriya Devi
Lakshmipriya Devi became the first Indian filmmaker to win the Best Children's and Family Film award at the 79th British Academy Film Awards in 2026 for her film Boong.
Dia Mirza
Dia won the Miss Asia Pacific International title in 2000. She is a UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Goodwill Ambassador, a UN Secretary-General Advocate for Sustainable Development Goals, as well as a champion for wildlife protection and conservation.
Payal Kapadia
Payal created history when her 2024 film All We Imagine As Light became the first Indian film to win the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.
Priyanka Chopra
From winning Miss World in 2000 to becoming one of the most recognised global Indian entertainers, Priyanka Chopra Jonas has worked in many global television projects and films. Additionally, she has also worked with UNICEF, representing Indian talent and culture worldwide.
Guneet Monga
Producer Guneet Monga has won two Academy Awards. She won her first Oscar as an executive producer for Period. End of Sentence (2019) and her second historic Oscar for producing The Elephant Whisperers
Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone isrecognised for her Hollywood debut in xXx: Return of Xander Cage. She has also served as a Cannes Jury member (2022), and as a presenter at the Oscars in 2023. Deepika was named to the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2026.
Sushmita Sen
Sushmita Sen was crowned Miss Universe 1994, becoming the first Indian woman to win the title.
Aishwarya Rai
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is known for association with the Cannes Film Festival, Met Gala and more. She has also served as a UN Goodwill Ambassador. She was crowned Miss World 1994. Aishwarya made her Hollywood debut with the film Bride and Prejudice and was the first Indian actress on the Burj Khalifa in 2021.
Nora Fatehi
Nora Fatehi made history as the first Bollywood artist to perform at the FIFA World Cup 2022 closing ceremony in Qatar.
