The out-of-the-box female characters that Bollywood surprised us with, in 2017

Bitti – ‘Bareilly Ki Barfi’

Honest-to-goodness. The break-dancer who likes to break free. Screams NO to nonsense. Bitti (Kriti Sanon), a small town girl, is everything today's women should be. No wonder we loved her!

Sugandha – ‘Shubh Mangal Saavdhan’

Sugandha (Bhumi Pednekar) is blessed with this rare ability to love. At an age where everyone is looking out for perfection, Sugandha not only chose to stick to a man who can't quench her biological demands, but also stuck to her choice despite all pressures. We need many more Sugandhas!

Leela – ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’

Leela (Aahana Kumra) is the girl who knows what she wants, and grabs it. Since ages, women are taught not to voice their desires, let alone fulfilling it the way they want. Leela is different, and unapologetically so. And it's time to awaken the Leela in you too!

Sulu – ‘Tumhari Sulu’

This beautiful, simple , easy-going house wife decides to chase her passion and becomes an RJ. For all the women who think life comes to a standstill after a certain age, Sulu (Vidya Balan) should be an inspiration.

Anarkali – ‘Anaarkali of Aarah’

Who justifies sexual crimes with the 'availability' of a woman? The society does. Anarkali (Swara Bhasker), a stage dancer, is groped, molested, humiliated and what not? But she is vocal about the unjust and proud of her profession. She is a true rebel on the face of regression.