In the world of Bollywood, where glamour often reigns supreme, actresses like Alia Bhatt, Anushka Sharma, and more dare to go beyond their boundaries with de-glam roles for the sake of authenticity.
These actresses go beyond just acting; they transform themselves, embodying the very soul of their characters with minimal makeup, rustic wardrobes, and a deep commitment to realism.
From Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s gut-wrenching portrayal in Sarbjit to Nikita Dutta’s in The Walking of Nation, these actresses have proved that true beauty lies in the art of storytelling.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, often regarded as one of the most beautiful women in the world, stunned audiences when she shed her glamorous avatar to portray Dalbir Kaur, the sister of Sarabjit Singh, in the 2016 biographical drama Sarbjit. With disheveled hair, aged skin, and an expressive vulnerability, Aishwarya transformed into the determined woman who fought relentlessly for her brother’s justice. Her raw and emotionally charged performance was a departure from her usual roles, proving that she is much more than just a pretty face.
Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt played a Bihari migrant in Udta Punjab (2016), which was perhaps her most daring role. She sported tattered clothes, unkempt hair, and a hardened demeanor that captured the horrors of drug abuse and human trafficking. Her transformation was so stark that it was difficult to believe she was the same actress who had played glamorous roles in previous films. The rawness she brought to her performance earned her critical acclaim.
Nikita Dutta
An impeccable young talent in the industry, Nikita Dutta will be seen in the forthcoming ‘The Walking of Nation, ‘ where she will be playing a woman freedom fighter, Punam Singh Aulakh. Stripping away the usual glossy portrayal, Nikita donned a no-makeup look and simple clothing to bring finesse of character on-screen.
Anushka Sharma
Anushka Sharma has always been praised for her versatility, and in Sui Dhaaga (2018), she took on the role of Mamta, a small-town housewife who supports her husband’s dream of starting a tailoring business. With a simple saree, tied-back hair, and a bare face, Anushka embodied the struggles of an ordinary Indian woman trying to make ends meet. The absence of glamour allowed her performance to shine.
Taapsee Pannu
Taapsee Pannu is no stranger to unconventional roles, but her portrayal of Prakashi Tomar, one of India’s oldest sharpshooters, in Saand Ki Aankh (2019) was a true test of her acting mettle. She underwent a dramatic transformation, donning prosthetics, wrinkled skin, and a rural dialect to convincingly play an elderly woman. Her dedication to authenticity once again showcased her fearless approach to cinema.
