Of course the only award that matters is Best Actress (in it's many forms) so let's take a look at some of the possible contenders for the upcoming blitz of award shows this season.
This performance blew me away. Completely. I still can't get over it. I first saw Alia Bhatt in her debut film Student Of The Year (2012) and thought she was fine playing a bimbo/high school diva - but didn't see anything special about her (well done Karan Johar). I am very selective about what I watch at the cinema but I really liked the trailer so went to watch it. Also the fact that Imtiaz Ali was directing, along with A.R. Rahman composing the soundtrack, I thought I would enjoy the technical side of things. I just can't praise Miss Bhatt enough - she played the role with such maturity, and at such a young age - she deserves endless praise for her portrayal of Veera - a rich kid looking for true love and adventure.
I watched Queen no less than 6 times in the cinema (doubling the previous record of two of my most favourite divas' comeback films Madhuri Dixit in 2007 + Sridevi in 2012). Back to Queen.
Kangana Ranaut was brilliant in every scene. The film itself is one of the best coming out of Bollywood over the last many years. Not only is it a film about female empowerment - it's about anyone finding themselves and dealing with turmoil in their lives. Kangana truly is the hero and in my eyes the frontrunner for picking up most of the gongs. But the competition is tough.
Priyanka Chopra continues to amaze me. She's completed a decade in Bollywood since debuting in 2003. Nobody expected her to still be around 12 years later, still getting offered great roles, let alone win a National Award.
In and as Mary Kom she once again challenges herself and comes up with another career-defining role. She was absolutely flawless and not many could have committed to all the strenuous physical training she had to go through. I hope she wins something.
The last scene of this film is what makes it an instant classic. Think Rekha in Khoon Bhari Maang. Think Sridevi in Army. Think Madhuri Dixit in Anjaam. Basically Rani Mukerji kicks ass - literally. This is one of Rani's best roles of her career - if not her very best. She was just so strong and restrained and powerful and beautiful. She deserves some recognition at the awards - and I really hope she wins something.
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Now usually the Best Actress categories have 5 nominees. For me the 4 names listed above were far and beyond the most outstanding. So the 5th or 6th option is up for grabs. It could go to any of the following:
Vidya Balan (Bobby Jasoos)
Shraddha Kapoor (Haider)
Madhuri Dixit (Dedh Ishqiya)
Parineeti Chopra (Hassee Toh Phasee)
