Bollywood films are different than they used to be. Although we have come a long way from portraying women as love interests to making women-centric films, there still is a feeling of taboo regarding certain social causes. When certain filmmakers broach the subject and actually sit down to make films based on important topics, the casting becomes an issue. Yet, there comes a silver lining in the form of actors who dare to break the stigma on portraying characters that may be deemed controversial by the audience. Here are 5 such actresses who have dared to take on characters in plots that are considered a taboo in our country.

Richa Chadha – Love Sonia: Richa Chadha is one of the first names that pops to your head when you think of important social topics. The Masaan actress plays a brothel owner in Tabrez Noorani’s Love Sonia, which unmasks the ugly world of the global sex trade and is all set to portray the South Indian adult star Shakeela Khan in her upcoming biopic.

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Taapsee Pannu – Pink: Taapsee Pannu has always been one to play strong female characters in films that highlight the issues our society faces on a daily basis. Pink brought to light the real importance of consent and Taapsee’s portrayal of a molestation victim who stands her ground and faces her molester was lauded by all.

Swara Bhaskar – Nil Battey Sannata: Swara Bhaskar has always been someone who speaks her mind and raises concerns over matters that need attention. Swara has always been game to back socially important topics and her character of a mother who goes to study in her daughter’s school was a reflection of the Veere Di Wedding actress’ beliefs.

Alia Bhatt – Dear Zindagi: Bollywood’s blue-eyed baby, Alia has been picking up roles that have put her on the map, not just for her acting skills, but also of how strong a social message they send. Dear Zindagi is one such film which focused on the stigma surrounding seeking psychological help.

Bhumi Pednekar- Toilet Ek Prem Katha: Bhumi Pednekar might not have a lot of films to her name, but she has always been a part of those that have broken some stereotype or the other. She has managed to impress audiences by accepting roles which are a complete opposite of the glamour that Bollywood exudes, in films that talk about the ridiculous body standards set for women (Dum Laga Ke Haisha) as well as in movies that are based on the sanitation issues faced by our country.