Top 5 actresses who didn't shy away from off beat roles

Mainstream Bollywood actresses are clubbed in a bracket where they are expected to look glamourous, beautiful and decked up with ultra chic accessories. However, there are some to chose to maintain a balance between commercial and off beat cinema. From early 90s to the present time, there has been a marked changed in the quality of films being subjected under 'offbeat' label. Now, with changing trends in the way we see and appreciate cinema—our A-listed heroines are slowly breaking that barrier and making their way into the lesser traveled world of parallel cinema.

Deepika Padukone

This most sought-after actress in Bollywood is known for making heads turn whenever she appears on screen. Deepika has seen the best of times in the glamour world. The last two years have been extremely happy and fulfilling for her in terms of her film choices. If on one hand, she did a full potboiler commercial film like 'Happy New Year', then on the other hand she also featured in Homi Adjania's off beat venture 'Finding Fanny'. The actress was appreciated by her fans for performing well in this bilingual film. Would certainly like her to do more of such stuff!

Kangana Ranaut

This Himachali beauty, who is currently basking in the glory of her last super hit film 'Queen' has often hogged the limelight for choosing roles which give her enough space to perform well. Kangana is known for doing a little 'hatke' films. It was 'Queen' which gave her the much-needed appreciation and adulation that the actress deserves. 'Queen' was not completely offbeat in nature, but it did not have any of the commercial elements either. The film was small, neat and appealing. It was Kangy who added the required star power to the Vikas Bahl directed venture and took away all the awards, including the most prestigious National Award for best actress.

Sonam Kapoor

Bollywood's fashion icon, not only made headlines—all thanks to her controversial statements, but also stunned one and all with performance-oriented roles on screen. Sonam might be synonymous with style and glamour—but it was her portrayal of a simple girl in 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag', which stole many hearts. The biopic set many records, and won many awards—but it was Sonam's girl-next-door look which was a refreshing change for the on lookers. We want to see more of her in such roles!

Anushka Sharma

This sweet-looking leggy lass made everyone sit down and take notice of her mind blowing performance in 'NH10'. The film was not only her maiden production venture, but also showed her capability as an actress for the first time. She made her debut with an out-and-out commercially hit film 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' opposite Shah Rukh Khan. This Yash Raj find proved to her detractors that she is by no means any less than a powerhouse performer in her deglam action role of Meera (NH10). Kudos for the effort!

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Her name is associated with all that glitters and looks glamourous on screen. The actress shocked the critics with her powerful portrayal of a sex worker in Madhur Bhandarkar's 'Chameli'. Bebo ( as he is fondly called) also went on to act in a film called 'Dev' where she went all de-glam and that impressed her fans and followers. Kareena's performance as a riot-hit victim in 'Dev' proved that yes is versatile as an actress and can carry off any role with elan. Bravo for the performance Bebo!