From battlefield bravery to quiet acts of sacrifice, Bollywood has often explored patriotism through powerful stories of courage and duty. While the genre has traditionally been dominated by male protagonists, several actresses have delivered unforgettable performances that placed women at the heart of national service. As India celebrates Republic Day 2026, here’s a look at actresses who brought patriotism alive on screen through nuanced, stirring, and impactful roles.
Janhvi Kapoor – Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl
Janhvi Kapoor stepped into the role of Indian Air Force pilot Gunjan Saxena, one of India’s first female combat aviators. Directed by Sharan Sharma, the film traces Gunjan’s journey as she battles institutional bias and personal doubt to earn her wings. Released on Netflix in 2020 due to the pandemic, the film highlighted quiet resilience and determination, presenting patriotism not as loud sloganeering but as steadfast commitment to duty.
One of Bollywood’s most celebrated female-led patriotic films, Neerja tells the true story of air hostess Neerja Bhanot, who sacrificed her life to save passengers during a hijacking. Under Ram Madhvani’s direction, Sonam Kapoor delivered a restrained yet deeply moving performance that resonated across audiences. The film redefined heroism, showing how courage can emerge in moments of fear and vulnerability.
Yami Gautam – Uri: The Surgical Strike
Yami Gautam portrayed intelligence officer Pallavi Sharma, a key figure behind India’s strategic response to the Uri terror attack. Though not on the front lines, her character represented the unseen forces that shape national security. Calm, focused, and authoritative, Yami embodied the strength of women working behind the scenes to protect the nation.
Alia Bhatt – Raazi
In Meghna Gulzar’s Raazi, Alia Bhatt played Sehmat Khan, a young woman who becomes an undercover Indian spy after marrying into a Pakistani military family. The film presented patriotism through moral complexity, emotional cost, and personal sacrifice. Alia’s subtle, layered performance earned critical acclaim and multiple Filmfare Awards, proving that quiet intelligence can be just as powerful as physical bravery.
Soha Ali Khan – Rang De Basanti
In Rakesh Omprakash Mehra’s iconic film, Soha Ali Khan played Durga Vohra, a revolutionary who aids Bhagat Singh and his comrades. Set within a film-within-a-film narrative, her character bridged past and present, reminding audiences of the sacrifices made by women during India’s freedom struggle.
Deepika Padukone – Fighter
Deepika Padukone took on the role of Squadron Leader Minal Rathore in Fighter, bringing gravitas and intensity to her portrayal of an Air Force officer. Her commanding screen presence, physical preparation, and emotional strength showcased women as equals in high-octane action cinema rooted in national pride.
Nimrat Kaur – The Test Case
In the web series The Test Case, Nimrat Kaur played Shikha Sharma, the first woman selected for a combat role in the Indian Army. Her performance as an officer undergoing gruelling training was widely praised for its realism and emotional strength, highlighting gender barriers within the armed forces.
Manushi Chhillar – Operation Valentine
Former Miss World Manushi Chhillar stepped into the patriotic genre with Operation Valentine, inspired by the Pulwama attack and the subsequent Balakot air strikes. The film places her within a contemporary military narrative, reflecting a new generation of women taking centre stage in stories of national defence.
These performances reflect how Bollywood’s portrayal of patriotism has evolved. Their craft showcased embracing not just valour in battle, but also emotional endurance, moral courage, and quiet sacrifice. This Republic Day, these actresses remind us that love for the nation wears many faces, and women have always been an integral part of India’s patriotic spirit.
Also Read: 6 Web Series to Binge-Watch This Republic Day
