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As the year draws to a close, we look at the women who made their presence felt strongly with their power, grace, and passion for their craft. As women on Indian television once again broke barriers and made a place in our hearts, it’s that time of the year where we present the Top 30 women who made an impact on television for 2024!
Please note: This list is not based on any kind of voting, popularity or ratings. It is a list presenting 30 of the most impactful women on television for the year. We love and appreciate every actor equally and there are many actors who could not be fitted into the list. The list takes into account work done on Television only – no OTT projects or music videos are considered. We also do not recommend comparing lists with previous years as each year begins from scratch.
30. Rutuja Bagwe
Maati Se Bandhi Dor marks the first Hindi television show for actress Rutuja Bagwe. The actress made quite the impression with her role as Vaijayanti on the show, as she played a common woman who works hard as a labourer to support her family but faces a harsh reality when she is overlooked as a suitable wife for her suitor. The role may have come with its complexities but Rutuja managed to become one of the actresses who received constant praise for her splendid work on the show, leaving viewers wanting to see more of her.
29. Shruti Choudhary
Shruti Choudhary is perhaps the youngest to appear on our annual list, and she certainly deserves to. After wowing the audience as Bulbul in Mera Balam Thanedaar, Shruti has managed to make a place for herself in the hearts of viewers worldwide. Her great performance and chemistry with Shagun Pandey have become reasons why people love the show so much too.
28. Neha Rana
Neha Rana made waves ever since Megha Barsenge premiered as she plays the role of Megha. Portraying a victim of domestic abuse and highlighting a real life occurrence of NRI grooms scamming families in India, the unusual and challenging role was executed brilliantly by Neha. Her chemistry with Neil Bhatt was also one of the factors keeping the audience hooked. Neha displays a lot of potential with this particular role, paving the way for more intense tracks on the show and beyond.
27. Ashnoor Kaur
Suman Indori became a smash hit in no time and one cannot ignore the sincere and solid performance of Ashnoor Kaur as Suman. The honest and hard-working chaat vendor from Indore’s Sarafa market made a place in the audience’s hearts, and it would have been impossible if it weren’t for Ashnoor’s work behind the role. The show also marked her comeback to our screens, and the wait was definitely worth it!
26. Sanika Amit
Making a solid acting debut this year was Sanika Amit, who began her journey as Lakshmi in Mangal Lakshmi. Sanika has played the refreshing and empowering role effortlessly and her chemistry with onscreen sister Deepika Singh, and with onscreen husband Shubham Dipta, highlight her dedication towards creating magic each time she is in frame. In 2024, Sanika Amit has not only made a terrific debut, but shown that she is an actress with immense potential too.
25. Himanshi Parashar
For the most part of the year, Himanshi Parashar was seen playing her much loved role of Sahiba Kaur Monga in Teri Meri Doriyaann. She was also seen playing another character, Gurnoor, which entered after Sahiba’s death on the show. Himanshi proved her ability to play two varying roles on the same show without compromising on the legacy of any character, and still cracked the right chemistry with Vijayendra Kumeria (Angad) on the show.
24. Shrutika Arjun
One of the earliest contestants to start creating a major impact on Bigg Boss 18 was Shrutika Arjun. Despite coming from the Tamil television industry, Shrutika managed to make a place in the hearts of viewers and become a strong force to be reckoned with on the show and on Indian television as a whole. Viewers look forward to not just her journey on Bigg Boss, but also in the fictional space on television in the time to come.
23. Aditi Sharma
2024 was an eventful year for Aditi Sharma. At the start of the year, she was seen as Dua in Rabb Se Hai Dua but exited the show due to a generation leap. Aditi made her mark on Khatron Ke Khiladi 14 where she entertained the audience and host Rohit Shetty with her sweet and bubbly personality. At the end of the year, Aditi began playing the titular role of Apollena, which sees her playing a young woman with the dream of becoming India’s first female astronaut and restoring her father’s lost honour.
22. Sayli Salunkhe
Sayli Salunkhe was one of the rising names this year. The actress was seen in the unique romance show Baatein Kuch Ankahee Si, where she played Vandana Karmarkar. She succeeded in her role in the mature love story and not too long after the show’s closure she was seen in Pukaar Dil Se Dil Tak, where she played Vedika. Her chemistry with Abhishek Nigam on the show became a fan-favourite in no time too.
21. Adrija Roy
Adrija Roy had an eventful year entertaining viewers in 2024. She was first seen in and as Imlie where she and co-star Sai Ketan Rao landed the franchise safely after a successful run. Not too long after, Adrija was seen stepping into the role of Dr Palki in Kundali Bhagya after Sana Sayyad’s exit. It was certainly no easy task to replace an actor but Adrija succeeded in making the role her own.
20. Aishwarya Khare
Bhagya Lakshmi underwent a major leap during the year which saw Aishwarya Khare’s Lakshmi becoming a mother. Aishwarya showcased a praiseworthy performance and the scenes between her and her two kids on the show were real highlights. Her chemistry with Rohit Suchanti was once again another crowd puller with viewers often waiting for their reunion.
19. Chahat Pandey
Chahat Pandey was seen in the show Nath – Zewar Ya Zanjeer for most of the year but this show was majorly viewed in India only. Her entry into Bigg Boss 18 propelled her to a global audience and with her ability to be frank and stand up for herself she won hearts in no time. Often viewed as one of the strongest on the show, Chahat managed to become a household name with her participation on the show, leaving fans excited to see more of her beyond the show too.
18. Anita Hassanandani
Another comeback with a bang for 2024! Anita Hassanandani returned with Suman Indori where she is seen as Devika Mittal. In this jethani – devrani clash, Anita comes out with full fire and the swag and grace the role requires too. Anita’s performance makes you truly appreciate the presence of a compelling villain, and she is one of the few that actually makes the villain an enjoyable character too. It’s nothing short of delightful to be able to watch Anita Hassanandani back in action.
17. Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia
The beloved actress returned to our screens this year as she set out to face the dangers on stunt-based reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi 14. Before the show premiered, she also appeared on Laughter Chefs to promote the show. On Khatron Ke Khiladi 14, Nimrit faced her fears and performed her stunts with brilliance. Nimrit once again became a symbol of strength and determination for viewers through the show.
16. Shraddha Arya
After a seven and a half year run, television’s iconic show Kundali Bhagya came to an end this year. Shraddha Arya once again nailed her performance as Dr Preeta this year and managed to make a strong mark despite her character experiencing memory loss. Her chemistry with her co-actors and her undeniable screen presence was always sure to lift the show and we certainly wish her the best for her new journey as a mother in real life too!
15. Debattama Saha
Some actors can create a huge impact even in a short time, Debattama Saha is one those actors. Playing the role of Krishna in the social drama Krishna Mohini, Debattama has given her best performance to date on the show. Krishna was a realistic character where at first, it was difficult to understand why her brother Mohan is the way he is, but slowly she understood and fought to give her brother the freedom to be who he wants to be. Debattama handled the character with the sensitivity it deserved and along with her fabulous chemistry with Fahmaan Khan on the show, she gave viewers a lot to enjoy and be impressed with.
14. Rupali Ganguly
This was another year of Anupamaa ruling hearts far and wide but it was also a year full of changes on the show. Rupali Ganguly never let her performance falter and kept delivering captivating performances as the iconic character. Whether it’s as a businesswoman, wife, daughter-in-law, mother, and even grandmother, Rupali knows just how to convey very aspect of her character to the audience.
13. Subha Rajput
Portraying a role with historical and cultural significance is certainly a responsibility for the gifted few. And Subha Rajput has proven that she is not just gifted, but has the ability to constantly adapt and grow as an actor. During the year, Subha impressed viewers in her role of Goddess Parvati in Shiv Shakti – Tap Tyaag Tandav, and took everyone on a journey of amazement with her portrayal of the various avatars of the Goddess. Some of her noteworthy avatar portrayals this year include Dhumavati, Chamunda, Mahakali, Durga and Bahuchara Mata. We will certainly not forget her much talked about portrayal of Mumba Devi, which gave viewers a chance to witness the actress’s versatility even more.
12. Hiba Nawab
Throughout the year, you would have heard of the show Jhanak quite often. Playing the titular role was Hiba Nawab who cemented her place as a household name with the character and show. Though a complex love story, Hiba made her character stand out and become one which resonated with the masses. Her sensational chemistry with Krushal Ahuja was also a constant crowd puller to the show.
11. Anchal Sahu
Anchal Sahu easily becomes one of the standout actresses this year. Her show Parineetii continued its fabulous run and also took a significant leap this year. Anchal’s character of Parineet returned with a fiercer and strong avatar named Parvati. This new version of Pari resonated with the audience and saw the actress showcasing her fine skills and grace. It definitely was not just the year of Pari’s new avatar but also the year where Anchal Sahu took her acting and character to a whole new level.
10. Sriti Jha
Sriti Jha is an actress who can never stop impressing the audience with her performances. Seen as Amruta in Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye, she has been excelling in her strong-headed and graceful character. There are some stars that are able to leave the audience in awe with even a single frame, and Sriti Jha is certainly one of them!
9. Bhavika Sharma
Bhavika Sharma has become a household name with her role of Savi in Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin. During the year, the story took a big turn which saw the death of Ishan (Shakti Arora) and the entry of Rajat (Hitesh Bharadwaj). Bhavika took her performance to another level as she was seen creating lovely chemistry with yet another co-star, and was also seen playing a mother on the show. Bhavika also appeared on some special episodes of Udne Ki Aasha during the year.
8. Ankita Lokhande
The year began with Ankita Lokhande in the Bigg Boss 17 house and she emerged as a finalist on the show. She then appeared as a guest on Dance Deewane 4 to support the contestants and also gifted a trio of female contestants who resembled the power of Indian women. There was no stopping Ankita’s fabulous run on our screens as she became a contestant on Laughter Chefs – Unlimited Entertainment where she was paired with husband Vicky Jain. The two managed to impress the judge and made the audience laugh with their husband-wife banter. Ankita’s comic chemistry with Krushna Abhishek was also something fans looked forward to. Ankita also appeared on Bigg Boss 18 for a Laughter Chefs style task with the contestants.
7. Prachi Bansal
Another standout performance for the year is Prachi Bansal’s portrayal of Goddess Sita in Shrimad Ramayan. The actress brought her all to the role and it was evident. She was able to carefully and perfectly convey the soft and fierce sides of Mata Sita to the audience without losing the balance of the role. Her chemistry with Sujay Reu (Shri Ram) also showed how deeply she immersed herself in the role, while her face-off scenes with Nikitin Dheer (Ravan) demonstrated the intensity which she could bring too. Prachi Bansal was without a doubt one of the performers who helped make the show one of the best all-round shows too.
6. Deepika Singh
The actress who probably made the greatest comeback of the year! It’s none other than Deepika Singh who returned to our screens as Mangal in Mangal Lakshmi. This was no ordinary middle aged female character, as this was one with a difference. She was ready to stand up for herself, and the bond between her and her sister showed the power in women uplifting other women. Deepika Singh has completely immersed herself in the role and every nuance she brought in Mangal was undoubtedly praiseworthy. With her power-packed performance, Deepika becomes a standout actress of the year and leaves the audience waiting to witness the further journey of her character and show.
5. Neha Harsora
Everyone agrees that Neha Harsora is one of the biggest revelations of the year, but we had said this right from our review of Udne Ki Aasha at the start of the year. Throughout the year, Neha proved our prediction true with her powerful and impressive performance as Sailee on the show. At a time when a middle-class Maharashtrian girl was a rarity on television, Neha was able to bring her A-game to the role and set an example of how relatable characters connect stronger with the audience, if they’re backed by a great performer.
4. Pranali Rathod
Durga – Atoot Prem Kahani explores the social issues and stigma surrounding those from tribal communities. Pranali Rathod brings life to Durga in this riveting narrative in an effortless manner. The role which requires depth and utmost conviction is conveyed to viewers in a powerful manner thanks to Pranali’s fine acting. With this show and standout role, it is clear that Pranali Rathod’s impact extends far beyond the characters she plays, as she is an actress who is versatile, and works hard to execute brilliant performances and crack amazing chemistry with her co-stars. Just as Durga represents power on the show, one can safely say that Pranali represents power in her work too.
3. Nia Sharma
Nia Sharma made a comeback to our screens and she no doubt did it with a bang! Playing the role of Nishigandha, in the supernatural thriller Suhagan Chudail, Nia shone in the unusual yet loved character. Away from the intense drama on the show, viewers got to see the lighter and fun side of Nia on Laughter Chefs – Unlimited Entertainment. Paired with Sudesh Lehri, Nia was a standout force on the show and their duo became a fan favourite in no time. In 2024, Nia not only showcased her versatility as an actor but as an all-round entertainer!
2. Sumbul Touqeer Khan
The actress who continued to spread her sparkle and shine in 2024 – Sumbul Touqeer Khan! The actress wowed viewers in the role of Kavya Bansal Pradhan in Kavya – Ek Jazbaa Ek Junoon. She demonstrated her fine acting skills and her chemistry with Mishkat Varma was a talking point throughout the year. Sumbul has cemented her place as an actress who can sink deep into any show irrespective of genre or format.
1. Samridhii Shukla
The actress who broke barriers and became a complete sensation in 2024 – Samridhii Shukla! Portraying the role of Abhira in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’s fourth generation, Samridhii has surpassed expectations and set new benchmarks with her performance. The actress has demonstrated her versatility and excellence in her craft throughout the fourth generation’s run, and has undoubtedly played a strong role in elevating the show and helping it reach a new audience. During the year, Samridhii also managed to re-work and create the right kind of chemistry with her new co-star on the show, Rohit Purohit. The actress has proven herself as an actor who has so much to offer both as Abhira and beyond. Her impact is clear and it showed even with the smallest scene the actress performed. Samridhii Shukla has also inspired many with her work ethic and showed the power of focus and self-confidence, demonstrating how one’s impact actually extends beyond the parameters of the screen.
Please Note: The Urban Asian Top 30 is exclusive to Urban Asian. Repurposing or copying on other websites is not permitted.
