2021 will go down in entertainment history as the year female performers really came of age in the Indian OTT space. The year saw some outstanding female performances that left a lasting impact on viewers. 2021 gave rise to some of the most fascinating women characters in a long time, brought alive by some of the most riveting performances from female performers of the Indian entertainment industry.
We’ve compiled a list of the top five actresses who delivered powerful performances and created an impression in the minds of viewers.
Here are the Top 5 Female Performers On OTT In 2021 –
5. Nushrratt Bharuccha – Chhorii, Prime Video
‘Chhorii‘ is an atmospheric horror film that premiered on Prime Video in November. Nushrratt Bharuccha plays a pregnant woman who is compelled to take shelter in an isolated village after the couple loses their home. But soon she realises that she must protect her unborn child from otherworldly creatures that will stop at nothing to get at her baby. The petite actress elevates the characterisation of a petrified though strong pregnant woman to another level altogether. It is a bracing performance that showcases all of Nushrratt Bharuccha’s strengths and acting repertoire.
4. Drashti Dhami – The Empire, Disney Plus Hotstar
The Empire, on Disney Plus Hotstar, narrates the story of the rise and rise of the Mughal Empire in India, right from Babur’s first conquest of Delhi, to the rapid expansion and dominance of the Mughals in Northern India. The Empire Season 1 centres on the first Mughal emperor, Babur. While the show is studded with compelling performances, it is Drashti Dhami‘s performance as Babur’s elder sister Khanzada that is the crowning glory of performances in the show. Drashti Dhami is alluring, seductive, and scores as a woman who uses her skill and intellect to wield power in a man’s world. Her performance is both empowering and exhilarating.
3. Samantha Ruth Prabhu – The Family Man 2, Prime Video
To hold her own against the captivating Manoj Bajpayee in Prime Video’s The Family Man 2 is in itself a commendable feat for Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The petite actress packs a punch as the primary antagonist, Tamil rebel, Raji. It is a brilliant depiction of a role that is at once complex and challenging to portray. Add to it the fact that Samantha also did her own stunts in the series, pulling off one of the most revelatory performances of her career.
2. Sushmita Sen – Aarya Season 2, Disney Plus Hotstar
Sushmita Sen returns to Disney Plus Hotstar’s Aarya to play the titular character of the beleaguered, besieged woman who will do anything to protect her three children from harm. She’s fire and fury as the mother who turns into a ferocious tigress when the need arises, and icy and chilling as the woman who swears vengeance against her nemesis. Sushmita Sen’s performance dominates the series absolutely, as she juggles a thousand emotions at once, and looks great doing it.
1. Konkona Sen Sharma – Ajeeb Daastaans, Netflix
Ajeeb Daastaans is an interesting anthology of short films on Netflix, with an equal number of hits and misses in its repertoire. One of the legit hits of the anthology is definitely ‘Geeli Pucchi’. And the highlight of Geeli Pucchi is Konkona Sen Sharma‘s performance as factory worker, Bharti. The actress takes your breath away with her mesmerizing performance, as she walks the fine line between vulnerability and bravado. It is a finely-honed, enthralling performance, distinctive and defined.
Notable mentions – Sanya Malhotra in Netflix’s Pagglait, Priya Bapat in Disney Plus Hotstar’s City Of Dreams Season 2, Rinku Rajguru in ZEE5’s 200 Halla Ho and Raveena Tandon in Netflix’s Aranyak.