Seven breakthrough stars of the Indian film industry

The Indian film industry is full of underrated gems who give some scene-stealing stand-out performances! And credit where it is due, here are some of Bollywood’s most unconventional yet disruptive actors - Jyothi Venkatesh

Konkana Sen Sharma

Critically acclaimed for her work in Hindi and Bengali cinema, Konkana Sen Sharma is a multifaceted actor, writer and director.

With two National Film Awards and four Filmfare Awards to her name, Konkana’s films include the likes of Life… In A Metro, Ek Je Aachhe Kanya (Bengali), Omkara, Fashion, Wake Up Sid, Lipstick Under My Burkha, A Death In The Gunj, Ajeeb Daastaans and The Rapist.

Kalki Koechlin

An actor par excellence, Kalki Koechlin’s performances are synonymous with critically acclaimed projects. Films like Shaitaan, That Girl In The Yellow Boots, Maragarita With A Straw, DevD, My Friend Pinto, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Ek Thi Daayan and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.

Saie Tamhankar

Her recent theatrical hit Pondicherry was a prime example of how Saie has constantly broken the shackles of acting through path-breaking roles.

One of the biggest superstars in Indian cinema, Saie Tamhankar’s extensive work as a pan-Indian actor spans languages, formats, platforms, scales and shades.

She has rightly been recognised as a versatile actor by critics, fans and the industry alike. Her 14-year long acting career has given us films like Ghajini, Mimi, Pondicherry and more. With her first web series Date With Saie, the actress set the trend for Marathi artists to get onto OTT.

Shefali Shah

With films like Dil Dhadakne Do, Darlings, Ajeeb Daastaans, Jalsa, Mohabbatein, Karthik Calling Karthik, Gandhi My Father and The Last Lear, Shefali Shah has always been a performance to watch out for!

Radhika Apte

One of OTT’s first disruptors in Bollywood, Radhika became synonymous with Netflix at one point to an extent that the OTT giant even made memes around her!

Gauging the potential of the medium quite early and delivering terrific performances, Radhika has been one of Bollywood’s most effortless performers.

With films and shows like Sacred Games, Andhadhun, Pad Man, Badlapur, Lust Stories, Manjhi – The Mountain Man, Shor In The City and Bazaar under her belt, Radhika has become a crowd and critic favourite.

Divya Dutta

A popular name in Hindi and Punjabi cinema, Divya Dutta has given us films like Manto, Traffic, Fanney Khan, Blackmail, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Badlapur and Ragini MMS 2. Her performances in shows like Special Ops and Hostages were also much spoken about.

Amruta Subhash

An award-winning name in Marathi and Hindi cinema, Amruta Subhash has been acclaimed especially for her performances in Gully Boy and Astu (Marathi).

While she won a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Gully Boy, she was also awarded a National Award for the same category for her performance in Astu.

Other popular films and shows to her name include Dhamaka, Bombay Begums and Sacred Games 2.