Published on May 12, 2025, 22:34 IST
From a feisty debutante to one of Bollywood’s most fearless leading ladies, Anushka Sharma has carved a niche as a performer who can balance charm, depth, and grit with ease. Whether she’s playing a girl-next-door in a romantic fantasy or a woman fighting for survival in a brutal thriller, Anushka brings authenticity to every frame. Having worked with the big 3 Khans of the industry, she managed to make her presence felt every time she took charge of the scene.
This list takes a look at her five most defining roles—movies that prove she’s more than just a pretty face; she’s a powerhouse performer who constantly pushes boundaries.
1. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008)
Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma
Anushka made a confident and memorable debut as Taani, a young woman caught between heartbreak and hope. Playing opposite Shah Rukh Khan in a dual role, she held her ground with grace and natural charisma. Her Taani was real—vulnerable yet spirited, naïve yet expressive. The film’s simplicity and emotional core rested largely on her believable transformation from a reserved wife to a lively dance partner rediscovering love.
Even in a fantasy-tinged narrative, Anushka made her presence feel grounded and relatable, announcing herself as a fresh new voice in Bollywood.
2. Band Baaja Baaraat (2010)
Cast: Anushka Sharma, Ranveer Singh
In what many call her breakthrough role, Anushka absolutely owned the screen as Shruti Kakkar, a no-nonsense Delhi girl with dreams of becoming a top wedding planner. Her sparkling chemistry with Ranveer Singh, fast-talking energy, and ambitious drive made her character unforgettable.
What set this role apart was how Anushka embodied both vulnerability and ambition without ever making Shruti feel one-dimensional or just the cliche Bollywood happy-go-lucky girl. She wasn’t just a love interest—she was a force of her own, setting standards for the modern working woman in Hindi cinema. Shruti remains one of the most grounded, career-driven female leads in Bollywood’s rom-com space.
3. NH10 (2015)
Cast: Anushka Sharma, Neil Bhoopalam, Darshan Kumaar
In this gritty, edge-of-your-seat thriller, Anushka not only starred but also turned producer—marking a bold new chapter in her career. As Meera, a woman thrust into a nightmare of rural violence and patriarchal brutality, she delivered a fierce, no-frills performance. What makes NH10 powerful is Anushka’s complete physical and emotional surrender to the role. She transforms from a privileged urbanite to a bloodied, resilient survivor, channelling raw fear and fury. Her portrayal is relentless, unapologetic, and deeply human. This film proved she wasn’t afraid to take risks—and could carry an entire film on her shoulders, cementing her position as one of the strongest leading ladies of the industry.
4. Sultan (2016)
Director: Ali Abbas Zafar
Cast: Salman Khan, Anushka Sharma, Kumud Mishra
In Sultan, Anushka Sharma plays Aarfa, a fierce wrestler and coach who dreams of Olympic glory. Unlike the typical love interest in sports dramas, Aarfa is a woman of ambition, discipline, and uncompromising values. She doesn’t just inspire the hero’s transformation—she drives it. Anushka trained extensively for the role, bringing physicality and grit to her portrayal. Her dialogue delivery, especially in the scenes where she confronts Salman Khan’s Sultan, carries weight and conviction. What makes Aarfa unforgettable is that her identity doesn’t revolve around the hero—she’s her own person, a wrestler first and a wife later.
5. Phillauri (2017)
Director: Anshai Lal
Cast: Anushka Sharma, Diljit Dosanjh, Suraj Sharma, Mehreen Pirzada
In this whimsical, genre-blending tale, Anushka plays Shashi, a poetic spirit stuck in limbo between the past and present. A ghost who once lived a life of unfulfilled love, Shashi’s story is both haunting and heartwarming. Anushka brings an ethereal calm and melancholic grace to her role. Whether reciting poetry or navigating the absurdity of her ghostly existence, she exudes charm, sorrow, and quiet strength. Her scenes with Diljit Dosanjh are tender and poignant, offering a glimpse into an old-world romance cut tragically short. As both lead actress and producer, she embraced a story that was offbeat and soulful—proof of her dedication to pushing creative boundaries and championing fresh narratives in Hindi cinema.
See Also: Anushka Sharma’s hardcore cricket practice sessions for Chakda Xpress
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