Best Of 2025: Yami Gautam Dhar, Aneet Padda, Janhvi Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra, Bollywood Actresses Who Dominated With Power-Packed Performances

2025 saw actresses set the screen on fire with compelling performances that not only impressed the critics but also managed to boost the film’s commercial success. Ranging from period action thriller to action-fantasy, spy action thrillers and more – Bollywood’s divas pushed beyond the boundaries of conventional roles.

As the year comes to an end, here’s looking some of the top female performers of the year!

Bollywood Actresses Who Dominated 2025 With Power-Packed Performances

Aneet Padda – Saiyaara

Aneet Padda stunned audiences with her big-screen debut, Saiyaara. From deeply moving dialogues to feeling the character’s depth and performing it later, Aneet’s approach towards Saiyaara and her character boosted the film’s commercial reach and appeal. Directed by Mohit Suri, the film earned Rs.409.18 crore gross.

Sara Arjun – Dhurandhar

Sara Arjun emerged as a surprise package in Dhurandhar, her big-screen debut. In an action spy thriller that rides on action and intensity, Sara fused the plot with a sense of softness and femininity, and won hearts with her charming presence. Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar has made an impressive collection of Rs.579.20 crore and it still continues with its theatrical run.

Rashmika Mandanna – Chhaava

Rashmika Mandanna ruled 2025 with this epic historical action drama film and proved her mettle by essaying Yesubai Bhonsale, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s on-screen wife. What made her a standout was her conviction and her understanding of her character that added significant realism and honesty to her portrayal. Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava made an impressive collection of Rs.708.5 crore gross.

Janhvi Kapoor – Homebound

This was the year Janhvi truly claimed the screen. Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari highlighted her comic timing and mass appeal, while Param Sundari placed her firmly in a polished, star-driven romantic space. Homebound shifted the tone entirely, revealing a raw, grounded and emotionally exposed performance. Together, these films marked a decisive turning point in her theatrical presence.

Triptii Dimri – Dhadak 2

Triptii’s move into a more mainstream space never diluted her emotional honesty. In Dhadak 2, she anchored the film with quiet intensity, letting silences and small moments do the heavy lifting. Even as the scale grew, her performance retained intimacy, reinforcing her ability to lead larger stories without losing sensitivity.

Yami Gautam – HAQ

Yami continued to shine in roles driven by truth and moral clarity. Haq was anchored by her steady, dignified performance, built on emotional restraint rather than theatrics. Once again, she proved why she remains one of Hindi cinema’s most consistent dramatic performers.

Kriti Sanon –  Tere Ishk Mein 

In Tere Ishk Mein, Kriti Sanon served one of her most restrained performances by bringing vulnerability, strength and quiet intensity to a character grappling with love, loss and self-discovery. Her performance reflected her growth as a performer, earning incredible praise from the audience and critics alike. 

Sadia Khateeb – The Diplomat

Sadia Khateeb delivered one of the most compelling and quietly powerful performances of the year with The Diplomat. Playing Uzma, a character caught at the intersection of politics, vulnerability, and inner resilience, Sadia brought remarkable emotional restraint and authenticity to the screen. Having previously impressed audiences with her debut Shikaara, The Diplomat firmly positioned Sadia as an actress of substance and depth, signalling a decisive breakthrough moment in her career.

Sanya Malhotra — Mrs

Sanya Malhotra delivered one of the most quietly powerful performances of the year. As Richa, a woman navigating marriage, identity, and silent emotional struggles, Sanya relied on restraint rather than dramatics. Her pauses, expressions, and unspoken emotions made the character deeply relatable, turning Mrs. into one of 2025’s most discussed performances.

Ananya Panday — Kesari Chapter 2

Ananya Panday surprised audiences with a strikingly mature and assured performance in Kesari Chapter 2. Stepping into a more intense, dramatic space, she brought emotional depth and restraint to her character, earning praise for her growth as an actor. Viewers appreciated the sincerity and quiet strength she displayed, making this role one of her most talked-about performances to date.

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Also Read: Best of 2025: Sara Arjun, Aneet Padda, Rasha Thadani, Bollywood’s Debutant Actresses Who Won Heart With Power-Packed Performances This Year

Grinell Jacinto

With nearly 10 years of experience, Grinell Esther Jacinto is the Desk Head of Bollywood Bubble. Her interests lie in everything that is kaleshi and she loves to dig deeper into the lives of B-town actors. She has a problem though – she loves horror films but will have chills the minute the theatres lights dims. She’s previously worked with Koimoi, UrbanAsian and SpotboyE.