MUMBAI: Over the years, several talented actresses have broken gender stereotypes by donning a pagdi (turban) for their roles, showcasing strength, courage, and versatility on screen. From Bollywood blockbusters to gripping television dramas, these transformative looks have added depth to their characters while leaving an indelible mark on audiences. Whether it's for undercover missions, challenging social norms, or taking a stand, these actresses have embraced the challenge of embodying male personas with finesse. Here's a look at some iconic performances where leading ladies took on this unique and empowering avatar.
Rani Mukherjee – Dil Bole Hadippa!
Rani Mukherjee broke stereotypes with her portrayal of Veera in Dil Bole Hadippa!. Disguising herself as a man to join a men's cricket team and chase her dream of playing in the World Cup, Rani donned a pagdi with flair, embodying the spirited Punjabi girl’s determination. Her transformation was not just physical but symbolic, representing the fight against gender barriers. The role remains one of Rani’s most inspiring performances, showcasing her versatility and dedication to challenging narratives in Indian cinema.
Radhika Muthukumar – Main Dil Tum Dhadkan
Radhika Muthukumar surprised viewers with her Sardarji avatar in Shemaroo Umang’s Main Dil Tum Dhadkan. Her character takes on this bold disguise to expose Baba’s true intentions toward women, adding a gripping twist to the storyline. Radhika’s transformation, featuring a turban, beard, and traditional attire, highlights her dedication and versatility as an actress. She effortlessly steps into the role, blending drama and intrigue while adding depth to the narrative. This move promises to keep audiences hooked.
Brinda Dahal – Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya
Brinda Dahal impressed audiences with her stunning transformation into a Sardarji in Sun Neo’s Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya. Her character, Vaishnavi, adopted the pagdi as part of a clever disguise to prevent Kartik’s wedding to Tina, creating a turning point in the show. Brinda’s performance was lauded for its authenticity and emotional intensity, adding layers of intrigue and drama to the plot. Her bold and innovative portrayal left a lasting impression on viewers.
Shraddha Arya and Anjum Fakih – Kundali Bhagya
Shraddha Arya and Anjum Fakih added a unique twist to Kundali Bhagya with their Sardar disguises. In this storyline, Preeta and Srishti take on turban-clad avatars to infiltrate Arjun’s house and uncover his true identity. Shraddha expressed her excitement about the challenging transformation, describing it as a fun yet different experience despite the initial discomfort. Their bold and quirky look kept fans intrigued as the suspense surrounding Arjun’s identity deepened, making it a memorable storyline.
Divyanka Tripathi – Yeh Hai Mohabbatein
Divyanka Tripathi added a memorable twist to her character in Yeh Hai Mohabbatein when she disguised herself as a Sardar to help expose a criminal plot. Playing the role of Ishita Iyer Bhalla, Divyanka's transformation into a turban-clad, bearded man showcased her versatility as an actress. The disguise allowed Ishita to infiltrate situations she wouldn’t have been able to as herself, adding drama and suspense to the storyline. Divyanka’s performance was lauded by fans, who appreciated her commitment to the role and her ability to seamlessly pull off such a challenging transformation.
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