Anushka Sharma has been one of the country’s most favorite actors. She has a number of critically-acclaimed films in her kitty, along with a number of nominations. Anushka was also recently featured by Forbes Asia in their 30 Under 30 list of 2018. While her achievements are unquestionable, as an audience, what we’ve learnt to appreciate the most is her courage to try new things. As she turns a year older, here are a few of her roles that went beyond the usual boy-meet-girl storyline:
1. Pari (2018)
First, of course, is perhaps one of India’s best horror movies off late - Pari. Anushka’s performance in Pari as a demonic figure gives you chills to the very bone. What is even more commendable about her performance is that at times, the film allows you to feel empathy for her character. When Bollywood isn’t known for its horror films, a film like this one with a performance like hers truly deserved a standing ovation.
2. Sui Dhaaga (2018)
Anushka Sharma, in this particular film, plays the wife that allows her husband to soar. While this film had its flaws, it was interesting to see Anushka in the role. While audiences were getting into her glamorous portrayal, Anushka jumping into the role that is dull, whiny, and not always the center of attention. A brave choice, for sure.
3. Jab Harry Met Sejal (2017)
While the film did not do too well in the box-office, it did have its sweet moments. Anushka as the cute Gujarati girl Sejal was a big risk- her performance demanded authenticity from everything to do with her accent to reactions. While it is debatable whether she was able to do that or not, audiences still did love her innocence in the film. She manages to take your mind off the loudness of her character,enabling you to reach out to her emotions. That’s pretty strong, we think.
4. NH10 (2015)
Perhaps one of Anushka’s best performances till date, NH10 worked wonders. Not only is the film gripping, well shot and completely thrilling - seeing a woman as the central character is something so gruesome was a surprising welcome change. Seeing her take on the goons was a fresh introduction to Bollywood’s hero-kills-villain vision. Heck, NH10 breaks all stereotypes of the ‘saviour’ and presents the final product as the wild and unforgiving Anushka.
5. Phillauri (2017)
Playing a horrifying demonic figure is one thing, but playing a sad forlorn spirit with a comical setting is a whole new ball-game. The risks with playing the role of Sashi was high, but not surprisingly, Anushka does a convincing job.
6. Zero (2018)
Anushka Sharma as Aafia is Zero was thrilling. It is not everyday you see one of the lead characters plays a scientist with Cerebral Palsy. It is said that she trains with speech therapists and did not leave her wheelchair for her entire training period. Rest assured, her resilience pays off as you slowly find yourself falling for her in the film.
7. PK (2014)
Just to be a part of a film that delivers such a bold message was commendable. Anushka’s character becomes the human-connect to the burning ‘alien’ questions that the film presents to you. Anushka as Jaggu is a heartbroken girl who has moved on from the normalcy of human interactions to find answers to bigger questions, and it is a very refreshing watch.
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