Alia Bhatt's action-packed avatar in upcoming movie Alpha grabbed headlines. The teaser of the film was released on June 10, 2026. The glimpse of the actress performing high-octane stunts and entering the YRF Spy Universe was applauded by fans and many industry celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Kiara Advani and others.

However, long before Alia's action debut, several Bollywood actresses had made audiences sit up and take notice with their ferocious work in action-packed parts, proving that women can carry off high-energy thrillers just as well as men. Read this article to know more about action female heroes of Bollywood.

1. Kangana Ranaut – Dhaakad (2022)

In Dhaakad, Kangana Ranaut stepped into the role of Agent Agni, a fearless undercover operative on a mission to bring down a human trafficking network. Co-starring Arjun Rampal, the film showcased Kangana performing intense action sequences and high-risk stunts.

2. Rani Mukerji – Mardaani (2014)

Rani Mukerji impressed audiences with her powerful role as Senior Inspector Shivani Roy in Mardaani and Mardaani 2 and 3. The crime thriller follows a determined police officer investigating a child trafficking racket. Her strong and realistic portrayal made the film one of Bollywood's most memorable female-led action dramas.

3. Priyanka Chopra – Don 2 (2011)

Directed by Farhan Akhtar, Don 2 starred Priyanka Chopra as Roma, alongside Shah Rukh Khan. The story followed her as a determined Interpol officer chasing an elusive international kingpin. Her sharp martial arts and sleek stunts solidified her image as a top-tier action star.

 

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4. Katrina Kaif – Tiger Zinda Hai (2017)

Tiger Zinda Hai gave fans a new side of Katrina Kaif. Playing spy agent Zoya alongside Salman Khan, she delivered impressive combat scenes and action moments during a mission to rescue hostages from terrorists.

5. Deepika Padukone – Pathan (2023)

Deepika Padukone in Pathan (Image: IMDb)

Although her role was brief, Deepika Padukone left a lasting impact in Pathan. Starring alongside Shah Rukh Khan, she portrayed Dr. Rubina Mohsin, an ISI agent who teams up with Shah Rukh Khan’s character (Pathaan) to stop a rogue former agent from unleashing a deadly virus.

6. Anushka Sharma – NH10 (2015)

Directed by Navdeep Singh, NH10 featured Anushka Sharma as Meera, a woman caught in a dangerous situation during a road trip. Her journey from victim to survivor formed the heart of this gripping thriller.

 

 

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7. Sonakshi Sinha – Akira (2016)

In Akira Sonakshi Sinha played a fearless young woman who takes on a group of corrupt police officers. The film allowed her to showcase martial arts skills and a tougher screen image than audiences were used to seeing.

8. Taapsee Pannu – Naam Shabana (2017)

Naam Shabana focused on the journey of Shabana Khan, played by Taapsee Pannu. The story follows an ordinary girl who is recruited and trained by an intelligence agency for a dangerous mission, making her one of Bollywood's most convincing female spies.