Conventionally there are two types of roles that women are stereotyped into playing, the helpless woman who needs to be helped and rescued in every situation and the role model who never does, says or thinks anything wrong. This year around we pick women who refused to sit in either of those two moulds and chose to portray real characters. This is a list of characters who don’t need male approval (ironically written by a man).

The first on this list is Monica Mehra from the recently released Code M. She plays a confident woman as he knows she is the smartest person in the room. She is unafraid to stand up to find the truth irrespective of the danger. She doesn’t hide her flaws, and while it may be a cliche, she smokes publicly despite the glares she gets.

Watch her character promo here.

Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Bobby’ from Judgementall Hai Kya, is the definition of wacky and weird characters. Bobby is not afraid about people’s opinions of her and follows her own instincts. Her ability to stay weird, but never foolish makes this a unique character hardly ever seen on Indian screens.

Palomi Ghosh plays the role of Meghan, an anti-social genius scientist, in Mission Over Mars. Meghan has the most awkward dates and says the most inappropriate things at the wrong time, but is sure about her knowledge in science and is unafraid to voice her ideas among her seniors. Not to mention, her weird character quirk of only eating supplement pills in every meal.

Karoline Kamakshi is a brash female buddy cop series which is a rare breed. Both the characters Karoline (Giorgia Andirani) and Kamakshi (Meena) are characters never seen before. Kamakshi is an Indian housewife trying to become a super cop is endearing to watch. Karoline is the genius French detective who can talk her way or beat her way out of any problem. These two women make a new and refreshing pair on-screen.

Kalyani Mule and Chhaya Kadam find the grace and honour in playing the role of nude models in the Marathi film ‘Nude‘. The character that will leave the most lasting impression on you is the role of Chandrakka (Chhaya Kadam) who is street-smart and refuses to take crap from anyone for what she does. She is independent, fierce as well as understanding.

Swara Bhaskar as Sakshi in Veere Di Wedding gave more than a few culture shocks to audiences. Swara Bhasker still faces flak today for the things she enacted while playing a role in 2018. Much like the character, she refuses to hold herself answerable to their standards.

Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar shine in their roles as Shooter Daadis in Saand Ki Aankh. They play the role of women who take up shooting as a sport in their ’60s and refuses to listen to other people’s opinions about their decision. The strong will of these women put their dark past behind and live life at the fullest.

If there’s anyone who refuses to apologise for who she is and owns her identity, it has to be Sunny Leone. Karenjit Kaur charts the story of Sunny Leone’s life in 2 seasons. It shows the aspects of her life beyond porn that most people would fail to see. In this humane and real story it is befitting that she chose to play herself on-screen.

Divyanka Tripathi plays the Michelin star chef ‘Nitya’ in Cold Lassi Aur Chicken Masala. This is a real character who can compete with the best in the field of experimental cooking. She is also incredibly flawed and riddled with insecurities and inhibitions. Her life is a constant juggling act in trying to be a good mother, a head chef and have time for herself.

Rutpanna Aishwarya who plays the role of Vidhi in Virgin Bhasskar offers a fresh take on small-town women in India. She refuses to follow the traditions of being shy and shameful about every small thing. She refuses to dry her lingerie inside, doesn’t make a big deal about her virginity and is clear about the kind of man she likes.

This one doesn’t fit the criteria as a women, but this is a list of unconventional women, so here we are. Ayushmann Khuranna’s performance as Pooja in Dream Girl, made a conservative society not only accept a man in drag but made a hit film out of it.

Which was the most unique female character you’ve seen on-screen recently? Let know know in the comments below. Watch the unique story of a surrogate mother ‘Badnaam Gali‘ starring Patralekhaa, exclusively on ZEE5.