Kajol in Gupt, Priyanka Chopra in Aitraaz, Aishwarya in Ponniyin Selvan: Bollywood's leading actresses who nailed villainous roles

Bollywood has witnessed several leading ladies who have embraced negative roles, delivering performances that have left an indelible mark on audiences. Here are some notable instances where actresses have excelled as on-screen villains

In the 1997 thriller Gupt, Kajol portrayed Isha Diwan, an obsessive lover turned psychopathic serial killer. Her compelling performance broke her girl-next-door image and earned her the award for Best Performance in a Negative Role, making her the first female actor to win this accolade.

Priyanka Chopra took on the role of Sonia Roy in the 2004 film Aitraaz. Her character, a seductive and ambitious woman accusing her former lover of sexual harassment, was both complex and unapologetically bold. This portrayal garnered her critical acclaim and showcased her versatility as an actress.

In the 2014 film Gulaab Gang, Juhi Chawla took on the role of Sumitra Devi, a ruthless and manipulative politician. Departing from her usual positive roles, Chawla's portrayal of a power-hungry antagonist was both convincing and critically acclaimed.

Mouni portrayed Junoon, the primary antagonist whose sinister intentions drive much of the film's conflict. Her portrayal was noted for its intensity and marked a departure from her previous roles, earning her critical acclaim.

Nandini is a vengeful queen with a deep-seated grudge against the Chola dynasty. She manipulates people, fuels conspiracies, and orchestrates political schemes to bring down the empire. Her character is driven by revenge, mystery, and emotional turmoil, making her one of Aishwarya’s most layered performances.

While Aishwarya has played strong, morally ambiguous roles in films like Raavan, Khakee, and Dhoom 2, Ponniyin Selvan stands out as her most prominent villainous portrayal.

In this psychological thriller, Urmila portrayed Ria, a wealthy but emotionally unstable woman who falls obsessively in love with a married photographer, Jai (Fardeen Khan). When he rejects her advances, Ria spirals into jealousy and rage, resorting to dangerous and violent behavior to get his attention.

Her portrayal of an obsessive lover with a sinister edge was chilling and intense. The role was a departure from her usual performances and showcased her ability to play a complex, negative character with depth.