Women’s Day 2026: Aishwarya Rai, Kangana Ranaut, Deepika Padukone - Actresses who defined warrior royalty on-screen

From majestic palaces to dramatic battlefields, cinema has often celebrated powerful royal women whose courage and leadership shaped epic stories. These characters are not merely ornamental figures but warriors, strategists and rulers who command the screen with strength and conviction. On Women’s Day 2026, here’s a look at actresses who portrayed memorable warrior royalty in films and left a lasting impression.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan delivered one of the most elegant portrayals of a royal warrior in ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ (2008). Playing the Rajput princess Jodhaa Bai opposite Hrithik Roshan’s Mughal emperor Akbar, she portrayed a queen who balances dignity, diplomacy and quiet strength. Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, the historical drama also featured Sonu Sood and Kulbhushan Kharbanda.
Years later, Aishwarya returned to a grand historical setting with Mani Ratnam’s ‘Ponniyin Selvan: Part I’ (2022) and ‘Ponniyin Selvan: Part II’ (2023). As the enigmatic Nandini, she shared screen space with Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Karthi and Trisha Krishnan, bringing intrigue and intensity to a character driven by power and revenge. 'Jodhaa Akbar' is available to stream on Netflix and Prime Video and Mani Ratnam's 'Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1' (2022) and Part 2 are available on Prime Video.

In Santosh Sivan’s historical drama ‘Asoka’ (2001), Kareena Kapoor Khan played Princess Kaurwaki, a fearless royal who becomes the love interest of Shah Rukh Khan’s Emperor Ashoka. Alongside Danny Denzongpa and Hrishitaa Bhatt, Kareena portrayed Kaurwaki as passionate and strong-willed, adding emotional depth and fiery intensity to the epic narrative. Streaming on Netflix.

Kangana Ranaut portrayed the legendary Rani Lakshmibai in ‘Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi’ (2019), a film based on the queen’s resistance against British rule during the 1857 rebellion. Co-starring Ankita Lokhande, Atul Kulkarni and Danny Denzongpa, Kangana’s performance captured the bravery and determination of one of India’s most iconic warrior queens. You can watch the movie on Prime Video.

Ramya Krishnan delivered a commanding performance as Sivagami in ‘Baahubali: The Beginning’ (2015) and ‘Baahubali: The Conclusion’ (2017). Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, the epic saga starred Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty and Tamannaah Bhatia. As the powerful matriarch of Mahishmati, Sivagami’s authority, courage and complex decisions became central to the story. The period drama is available to stream on multiple OTT platforms including Netflix, JioHotstar, SonyLIV.

Anushka Shetty’s Devasena in the ‘Baahubali’ franchise stood out as a fierce and defiant warrior princess. Known for her archery skills and unyielding spirit, Devasena challenged injustice and fought for her kingdom with strength. Her scenes opposite Prabhas and Rana Daggubati highlighted the character’s bravery and unwavering resolve. The period drama is available to stream on multiple OTT platforms including Netflix, JioHotstar, SonyLIV.

Rukmini Vasanth impressed audiences with her performance in ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’, the prequel to the acclaimed Kannada film ‘Kantara’. Starring Rishab Shetty in the lead, the film explores folklore, faith and tradition. Rukmini’s character adds emotional complexity to the narrative, bringing intensity and conviction to key dramatic moments. Streaming on Amazon Prime Video

Deepika Padukone portrayed the regal Rani Padmavati in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Padmaavat’ (2018), sharing screen space with Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh. Her performance highlighted the dignity and resilience of a queen determined to protect her honour and kingdom. Streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Earlier, she played the warrior princess Mastani in ‘Bajirao Mastani’ (2015), opposite Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra. Whether fighting in battle or expressing love with fierce loyalty, Deepika brought grace and strength to the role. Both movies are streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Hema Malini portrayed the historic ruler Razia Sultan in Kamal Amrohi’s ‘Razia Sultan’ (1983). The film depicted the story of Razia Bano, the first woman to rule the Delhi Sultanate from 1236 to 1240. Acting alongside Dharmendra as Jamal-ud-Din Yakut and Parveen Babi, Hema Malini embodied the determination and authority of a woman ruling in a male-dominated era. You can watch this classic on ZEE5.