Shah Rukh Khan reveals Deepika Padukone’s action avatar in Pathaan trailer: A look at other leading ladies in action-packed roles

When it comes to high-octane action sequences in films, it is generally the action hero who draws in the crowds to theatres. But over the years, Indian leading ladies have been changing the tide with their action-packed roles, which involves everything from yielding guns, to jumping between vehicles and even off buildings! 

Deepika Padukone, who has already wowed us with her action sequences in films like Bajirao Mastani and her Hollywood debut XXX: Return of Xander Cage, has piqued everyone’s interest with the poster for her next big release, Pathaan with Shah Rukh Khan. 

Take a look at other actresses that have set our adrenaline pumping with their power-packed action…

Katrina Kaif: Ek Tha Tiger, Dhoom 3, Bang Bang, Tiger Zinda Hai
From beating up several bad guys to doing her own stunts, Kat is no stranger to the action genre. She’s not just matched steps, but at times even outdone her leading men in films like Ek Tha Tiger (2012), Dhoom 3 (2013), Bang Bang (2014) and Tiger Zinda Hai (2017). 

Kangana Ranaut: Krrish 3, Revolver Rani, Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, Dhaakad
Kangana might as well be called the action queen of Bollywood. The talented actress has convincingly played high-octane roles, including being a vamp in Krrish 3 (2013) and the brave Jhansi ki rani in Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (2019).

Anushka Sharma: NH10, Sultan
To convincingly play a wrestler in Sultan (2016), Anushka underwent rigorous training for around six weeks. In the road revenge drama NH10, fans got to see Anushka depart from her usual bubbly self and transform into someone who doesn’t think twice before picking up an iron rod to do the bad guys' head in.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas: Don, Drona, Jai Gangaajal
As Roma in Don (2006), Priyanka was a delight to watch as she effortlessly transformed into her character of Don’s gang member, which required her to do some action-packed stunts. She followed this up with Don 2 (2011), Drona (2008) and Jai Gangaajal (2016), in which she plays the tough police officer, SP Abha Mathur.

Deepika Padukone: Chandni Chowk to China, Bajirao Mastani, XXX: Return of Xander Cage
Deepika has time and again proven that she can carry off stunts like a pro. Be it in Chandni Chowk to China (2009), in which she did some noteworthy flips and mid-air kicks, to Bajirao Mastani (2015) and her Hollywood film XXX: Return of Xander Cage (2017) – Deepika has impressed one and all with her action sequences.

Taapsee Pannu: Baby, Naam Shabana
She’s been hailed for her many feminist roles, so it is only natural that Taapsee made it on this list. She got to show off her physical prowess in the action-thriller Naam Shabana (2017), in which she plays Shabana Khan, an Indian intelligence field agent. This was a prequel to the 2015 hit, Baby.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu: The Family Man Season 2
Everyone was left in awe with Samantha’s performance as Rajalakshmi Sekharan, a member of a Sri Lankan military resistance outfit. The role required Samantha to do some high-powered action sequences, which she did without a stunt double. This included jumping off a building and a lot of hand-to-hand combat.

Rani Mukerji: Mardaani, Mardaani 2
Playing a senior crime branch officer who is on the hunt for the mastermind behind a human trafficking mafia in the 2014 film meant that Rani would have to do some action-packed sequences. Which she did successfully. The actor trained in Krav Maga to play a tough cop convincingly. She followed this up with Mardaani 2 (2019).

Sonakshi Sinha: Akira
Sonakshi plays a tough woman in Akira (2016), who is a rebel with a violent past. Akira (Sonakshi) is seen indulging in blood and gore in the film, breaking many bones. Sonakshi's many fight sequences are one of the highlights of the film.

Actresses who are all set to wow us with their action in 2023
Deepika Padukone in Pathaan and Fighter
Alia Bhatt in Heart of Stone
Katrina Kaif in Tiger 3
Disha Patani in Yodha
Parineeti Chopra in Code Name Tiranga
Kriti Sanon in Ganpath