From Laapataa Ladies’ Phool to Srikanth’s Swathi: Female Characters who empowered men to take on the big fight

In the world of cinema, certain female characters leave an indelible mark, inspiring their male counterparts to face challenges head-on. These women, with their resilience and strength, become the driving force behind the narrative, motivating the men to fight against all odds. Laapataa Ladies, India’s official entry to the Oscars 2025, stands as a testament to the power of such characters. Additionally, Alaya F in Srikanth, alongside Rajkummar Rao, was also a contender for the Oscars, making it a hard choice for the Oscars selection committee. Here’s a look at some of the most inspiring female characters who have empowered the men in their films.

Nitanshi Goel as Phool in Laapataa Ladies

Nitanshi Goel shines as Phool Kumari, who is accidentally left behind by her husband Deepak (played by Sparsh Shrivastava) during a chaotic train journey. Instead of returning home, Phool chooses to stay at the station, learning independence with the help of Manju Mai (played by Chhaya Kadam), who runs a tea stall. Phool’s determination and strength lead Deepak to introspect, realizing the value of loyalty and resilience as he witnesses her newfound independence.

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Alaya F as Swathi in Srikanth

Alaya F portrays Swathi, the love interest of visually impaired entrepreneur Srikanth Bolla (played by Rajkummar Rao). Swathi motivates Srikanth to overcome life’s challenges, from school bullying to societal barriers. Her encouragement is crucial in his journey, symbolizing the power of belief and partnership. The actress showed off her acting prowess in the film and proved how she is truly one of the best actresses of this generation

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Medha Shankr as Shraddha in 12th Fail

In ‘12th Fail’, Medha Shankar plays Shraddha Joshi, the love interest of IPS Officer Manoj Kumar Sharma (played by Vikrant Massey). Shraddha supports him in his quest to become an IPS officer despite extreme poverty. Her determination to pursue her own dreams while supporting Manoj highlights the importance of mutual support and resilience. Shraddha plays a big part in Manoj’s journey, serving as a beacon of motivation, as Manoj realizes he needs to push for his dreams even harder after finding out that his love interest has also flourished in her goals to become an IRS officer.

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From the resilient characters of Laapataa Ladies to the unforgettable role of Alaya F in ‘Srikanth’, women in Indian cinema continue to redefine strength and support in unique ways. Nitanshi Goel as Pratibha Ranta brought to life the struggles and journeys of women in ‘Laapataa Ladies’, while Alaya F’s performance in ‘Srikanth’ portrays how a woman can be both a backbone and a driving force. Though Shrikant didn’t make the final Oscar cut, the impact of these powerful women on-screen remains undeniable.

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