Eesha Kulkarni

The Hindi film industry is no stranger to talent, but only a few artists can boast the versatility and charisma that Anushka Sharma brings to the table. From her debut film opposite the King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, to the critically-acclaimed eerie flick Pari, Sharma has proved time and again that she can do justice to any role. Ahead, we’ll take a closer look at some of her finest performances that showcase her range as an actor.

Anushka Sharma Movies

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008)

It’s not easy for a newcomer to make a mark in the industry, but Sharma did just that with her debut film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. She played Taani Sahni, a shy and introverted girl who marries a middle-aged simpleton played by SRK. Her portrayal of Taani’s transformation from a reticent girl to a confident woman who isn’t afraid to open her heart to the possibility of true love, was remarkable and set the tone for the actress‘ future performances.

Watch it here.

Band Baaja Baaraat (2010)

Band Baaja Baaraat was the film that put Sharma on the map. She played Shruti Kakkar, a determined and ambitious wedding planner who starts her business with a street-smart partner played by Ranveer Singh. Sharma’s portrayal of the feisty character earned her many prestigious award nominations for Best Actress and made her the talk of the town.

Watch it here.

NH10 (2015)

Sharma’s performance in NH10 was a breakthrough moment in her career, as she took on the lead role of Meera, a woman who goes on a road trip with her husband and encounters a group of violent criminals. The film’s gritty and intense narrative, which dealt with issues of honour killings and patriarchy in rural India, was a departure from the typical Bollywood fare. Sharma’s portrayal of Meera was raw and powerful, showcasing her range as an actor and her ability to convey a range of emotions convincingly. The film also marked Sharma’s debut as a producer.

Watch it here.

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016)

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is a romantic drama that explores the complexities of relationships, heartbreak, and unrequited love. Sharma played the role of Alizeh, a free-spirited girl who meets Ranbir Kapoor’s character, Ayan, and becomes his friend. However, when Ayan falls in love with Alizeh, she tells him that she only sees him as a platonic friend, which leads to a painful and emotional journey for both of them. The film’s stellar cast, including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Fawad Khan, and the chemistry between Anushka and Ranbir, made it a commercial success. Sharma’s performance was particularly noteworthy, as she brought a refreshing and nuanced perspective to her character and delivered emotionally charged scenes with finesse. The film’s music, composed by Pritam, was also a major highlight and is still popular among audiences today.

Watch it here.

Pari (2018)

Pari is a supernatural horror film that follows the story of a man who rescues a woman named Rukhsana, played by Sharma, from a group of men trying to kill her. As he takes her in and tries to help her, he realises that she is not entirely human and is possessed by a demonic entity. Sharma’s performance as Rukhsana was widely praised for being terrifyingly convincing, and the film received critical acclaim for its unique and eerie storytelling. Pari was also produced by Sharma’s own production company, Clean Slate Films, which has been instrumental in promoting fresh and innovative storytelling in the Indian film industry.

Watch it here.

Sui Dhaaga (2018)

In Sui Dhaaga, Sharma portrayed the character of Mamta, a hardworking and determined woman from a rural background who dreams of starting her own embroidery business with her husband, played by Varun Dhawan. The film’s inspiring and uplifting story, which celebrates the power of self-reliance and entrepreneurship, struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. Sharma’s performance was understated yet impactful, as she captured the essence of her character’s resilience and strength. Her endearing on-screen rapport with Dhawan was also praised by fans. Additionally, Sharma’s costumes, designed by Darshan Jalan and Anamika Khanna, perfectly reflected her character’s rustic yet fashionable style.

Watch it here.

Phillauri (2017)

In this movie, Sharma played the role of Shashi, a friendly ghost who haunts a young man played by Suraj Sharma. The film’s unique storyline, which combined elements of romantic comedy and supernatural drama, was a refreshing departure from typical Bollywood offerings. Sharma’s nuanced portrayal of Shashi was out of this world ‒ quite literally ‒ as she brought a whimsical and magical quality to her character through her expressions and body language. Moreover, the film’s soundtrack, which included Sharma’s own rendition of the Punjabi folk song ‘Dum Dum,’ added to the film’s charm and appeal.

Watch it here.