Women’s Day 2026: Unforgettable female self-discovery films

Masaba Gupta — Masaba Masaba

Through humour and vulnerability, Masaba’s character highlights the journey of rebuilding oneself while balancing personal expectations

Kalki Koechlin — Margarita with a Straw

The film broke several taboos in Indian cinema by addressing disability, identity, and self-acceptance, making Laila’s journey deeply moving and empowering

Sayani Gupta — Four More Shots Please

Sayani Gupta plays Damini Rizvi Roy, an ambitious journalist known for her bold reporting and strong opinions

Damini’s journey is not just about professional ambition but also emotional growth and self-realisation. Through personal setbacks and complicated relations

Taapsee Pannu — Thappad

Amrita’s decision to question the normalisation of such behaviour becomes the core of the story, turning the film into a strong commentary on dignity

Kangana Ranaut in Queen

Rani decides to go on her planned honeymoon to Paris and Amsterdam alone, slowly discovering confidence, independence, and self-worth along the way

Rani’s transformation from a sheltered young woman to someone who embraces the world made the character Hindi cinema’s most empowering portrayals