India has many inspiring women who have made history with their achievements. The most popular women of India come from different fields like politics, sports, science, and entertainment. From Rani Lakshmibai, a fearless queen, to PV Sindhu, a star athlete, their stories inspire us. Just like strong female characters in movies like Chak De! India or books like Malala’s Story, these women show courage, talent, and hard work. Learning about these great personalities can help us believe in ourselves and dream big. Here is a list of the most popular women of India who have left millions awestruck!
This Blog Includes:
- Most Popular Women of India
- Top 10 Female Achievers in India
- Indira Gandhi (Former Prime Minister of India)
- Nirmala Sitharaman (India’s Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs)
- Nita Ambani (Businesswoman)
- Falguni Nayar (CEO of Nykaa)
- Priyanka Chopra (Indian actress and film producer)
- Irom Chanu Sharmila (Indian activist)
- Sushma Swaraj (Former Minister of External Affairs of India)
- Indra Nooyi (Former CEO of PepsiCo)
- Kiran Bedi (Former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry)
- Barkha Dutt
- Famous Indian Women
- FAQs
Most Popular Women of India
Name | Field | Major Achievements |
Indira Gandhi | Politics | First female Prime Minister of India |
Nirmala Sitharaman | Politics | First full-time female Finance Minister of India |
Nita Ambani | Business | Chairperson of Reliance Foundation |
Falguni Nayar | Business | Founder of Nykaa, India’s beauty retail giant |
Priyanka Chopra | Entertainment | Actress, Miss World 2000, and global UNICEF ambassador |
Irom Sharmila | Activism | Known as the “Iron Lady of Manipur” for her hunger strike against AFSPA |
Sushma Swaraj | Politics | Former External Affairs Minister, known for helping Indians abroad |
Indra Nooyi | Business | Former CEO of PepsiCo |
Kiran Bedi | Law Enforcement | India’s first female IPS officer |
Barkha Dutt | Journalism | Award-winning journalist, known for conflict reporting |
Saina Nehwal | Sports (Badminton) | First Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in badminton |
Arundhati Roy | Literature | Author of The God of Small Things, Booker Prize winner |
Bhanwari Devi | Activism | Catalyst for India’s sexual harassment laws |
Dutee Chand | Sports (Athletics) | First openly gay Indian athlete, national sprint champion |
Sudha Murthy | Literature/Philanthropy | Chairperson of Infosys Foundation, best-selling author |
Sarojini Naidu | Politics/Literature | First woman governor of an Indian state, renowned poet |
Gita Gopinath | Economics | First female Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) |
Rupi Kaur | Literature | Best-selling poet known for Milk and Honey |
Sagarika Ghose | Journalism | Prominent journalist and author |
Sania Mirza | Sports (Tennis) | India’s most successful female tennis player |
Mary Kom | Sports (Boxing) | Six-time world champion boxer, Olympic medalist |
Indira Jaising | Law | Senior Supreme Court lawyer, advocate for women’s rights |
Tongam Rina | Journalism | Renowned journalist from Arunachal Pradesh, known for investigative reporting |
Kalpana Chawla | Science (Astronaut) | First Indian woman in space |
Lata Mangeshkar | Music | Legendary playback singer, Bharat Ratna awardee |
Shakuntala Devi | Mathematics | Known as the “Human Computer” for mental math skills |
Anuja Chauhan | Literature | Best-selling author, known for The Zoya Factor |
Deepika Kumari | Sports (Archery) | World number one archer from India |
Neena Gupta | Entertainment | National award-winning actress, known for breaking stereotypes |
Smriti Irani | Politics/Acting | Union Minister, former television actress |
Mithali Raj | Sports (Cricket) | Highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket for India |
Sonal Mansingh | Dance (Classical) | Renowned Bharatanatyam and Odissi dancer |
Arunima Sinha | Sports (Mountaineering) | First female amputee to climb Mount Everest |
Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju | Medicine/Activism | India’s first transgender doctor, LGBTQ+ advocate |
Mayawati | Politics | First Dalit woman Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh |
Mira Nair | Filmmaking | Acclaimed director of Salaam Bombay! and The Namesake |
Tarla Dalal | Culinary Arts | India’s first celebrity chef and author of numerous cookbooks |
Smriti Mandhana | Sports (Cricket) | Indian women’s cricket team vice-captain, ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year |
Sridevi | Entertainment | Iconic actress, known as India’s first female superstar |
Ira Singhal | Civil Services | First differently-abled woman to top the UPSC exam |
Suneeta Reddy | Business | Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals |
Vandana Shiva | Environmentalism | Global leader in eco-feminism and sustainability |
Deepa Malik | Sports (Paralympics) | First Indian woman to win a Paralympic medal |
PT Usha | Sports (Athletics) | Legendary sprinter, known as the “Queen of Indian Track and Field” |
Vandana Luthra | Business | Founder of VLCC, a leading beauty and wellness brand |
Radhika Gupta | Business | CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, known for inspiring leadership |
Kiran Mazumdar | Business | Founder of Biocon, India’s biotech pioneer |
Laxmi Agarwal | Activism | Acid attack survivor, advocate for women’s rights |
Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit | Politics/Diplomacy | First woman to become president of the UN General Assembly |
Tessy Thomas | Science (Defense) | India’s “Missile Woman,” key scientist behind Agni missiles |
Top 10 Female Achievers in India
Success comes in many forms, and Indian women have shown it in different ways. Some have led the country, while others have inspired people with their talent. From sports and business to politics and arts, these women have broken barriers and made history. Let’s take a look at the top 10 female achievers in India in this list of the most popular women in India.
Indira Gandhi (Former Prime Minister of India)
The first female Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi is truly the most popular public figure across the country. She remains the most popular woman of India, a true pioneer and nuanced politician who led our country through daunting times like the Emergency of 1975 and the Bangladesh War of 1971. She was a true revisionary who believed in technological advancements and transformed India into a nuclear state.
Nirmala Sitharaman (India’s Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs)
Featured amongst the top 100 popular women of the world in Forbes 2020, Nirmal Sitharaman is a living legend. She is also one of the most popular women in India. Her political trajectory is remarkable and profound; Nirmala has been a Rajya Sabha member, the Defence Minister and a member of the National Commission on Women. She is also the only Indian woman to hold the title of full-time Finance Minister of India.
Nita Ambani (Businesswoman)
Next on our list of popular women in India is Nita Ambani. An inspirational woman who once used to be a school teacher, Nita Ambani has led numerous titles, from a philanthropist to the most influential businesswoman to the owner of a cricket team, an accomplished classical dancer and a former school teacher! Nita Ambani’s success story is truly phenomenal and awe-inspiring.
Falguni Nayar (CEO of Nykaa)
Falguni Nayar is the founder and CEO of one of the most successful online stores in India. A former investment banker with Kotak Mahindra, Nayar has used her financial acumen and experience to build the greatest franchise for cosmetics and wellness products in India. She is no doubt one of the most popular women of India. From a single online store to over 68 physical stores across India; Nykaa’s success is an ode to the CEO’s business tact!
Priyanka Chopra (Indian actress and film producer)
Easily the most recognisable face in India and the world! Priyanka Chopra’s prowess as an actor, singer, entrepreneur and philanthropist make her a global icon and one of the most popular women of India. Priyanka has appeared in over 70 successful movies and starred in the uber-famous Quantico TV series. She is the brand ambassador of Assam, National Film Award winner and a UN Goodwill Ambassador!
Irom Chanu Sharmila (Indian activist)
Dubbed as the Iron Lady of Manipur; Irom Sharmila is a civil rights and political activist, popularly known for her ardent stand against the imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in the northeast and for her 16 year-long hunger strike against the brutality caused by the act. Sharmila’s endless fight for justice, democracy and equality have a profound impact across the world, making her one of the most popular women of India.
Sushma Swaraj (Former Minister of External Affairs of India)
Think of popular women of India and Sushma Swaraj will surely come to your mind! Posthumously awarded Padma Vibhushan for her outstanding achievements as the Defence Minister of India. Sushma Swaraj was a remarkable political stalwart and leader; her Twitter presence, her humanitarian courage and her dedication as a member of the Parliament made her a household name across India.
Indra Nooyi (Former CEO of PepsiCo)
A member of the Board of Directors at Amazon and the former CEO of PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi is one of the most popular women of India. She led PepsiCo from 2006 till she retired from the position in 2018 and consequently amassed great success and popularity in the domestic and international sphere. Her career graph from a product manager to CEO of one of the biggest companies in the world is truly historical.
Kiran Bedi (Former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry)
The first Indian IPS officer, Kiran Bedi, served on the force for 35 years. Her efforts as an IPS officer made her a public figure and led her to forge a political career later on. This is why she is amongst the most popular woman of India. Kiran Bedi has assumed many roles in her long career; she has served as a governor, social worker, author, TV personality and politician as well as a motivational speaker!
Barkha Dutt
Barkha Dutt’s name is synonymous with journalism in the country so how can we miss mentioning her in our list of most popular women of India? As one of the most popular journalists in India; Dutt began her career with NDTV and amassed great popularity for courageously reporting the Kargil War in 1999. Her career as a journalist has invoked praise and criticism in equal parts; her courage, perseverance and dedication to free press won her many awards including Padma Shri in 2008.
Famous Indian Women
From leading space missions to winning Olympic medals, Indian women have made a mark in every field. Their stories of hard work, resilience, and success continue to inspire young minds to dream big and achieve more. Here are some famous Indian women you should know about.
1. Saina Nehwal
The first-ever Indian sportsperson to win an Olympic medal in Badminton; Saina Nehwal has marked a remarkable journey from a small-town girl in Haryana to World Champion in Badminton. Nehwal is easily the most recognisable sports figure in India due to her vast accomplishments and contributions to the field of Indian sports and badminton.
2. Arundhati Roy
A bestselling author and a Man Booker Prize winner; Arundhati Roy is amongst the best Indian authors today. Her published works are critically acclaimed and are looked at as revolutionary pieces of art. Roy is also an outspoken human right activist and environmentalist; she is well- known for her political criticism of several prevailing issues in India. All this and more makes her amongst the most popular women of India.
3. Bhanwari Devi
Next on our list of popular women of India is Bhanwari Devi. A social worker from Rajasthan and a source of greater inspiration. Devi’s struggle and fight against injustice transformed the Indian women movement in the 1980s. Recipient of several awards and accolades for her commitment to justice. Bhanwari Devi is a true champion of women rights and her efforts have overturned some of the most controversial anti-women laws in India.
4. Dutee Chand
The winner of the National Arjuna Award for excellence in sports, Dutee Chand has emerged as a great athlete and sprinter in India. Her sportsmanship and dedication led her to qualify for the 100m event at the Olympics in 2016. She is also the first Indian athlete to openly talk about her sexuality and sexual orientation. Her honesty and hard work have made her amongst the most popular women of India.
5. Sudha Murthy
The author of the famous short story ‘How I Taught My Grandmother to Read’, Sudha Murthy is a world-renowned creative storyteller and author; she writes in English, Kannada and Marathi, making her one of the most popular women of India. Murthy is also known for her social work and philanthropic endeavours.
6. Sarojini Naidu
A freedom fighter, politician, civil rights activist and poet, Sarojini Naidu is a historical personality every Indian has grown up reading about. Naidu was an integral figure in the Indian national movement for independence and also the first female governor in India. She is and will always be one of the most popular women of India
7. Gita Gopinath
Gita Gopinath made a place for herself amongst the popular women of India when she became the Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund in 2019. A PhD holder in Economics from Princeton University; Indian- American economist has inspired millions of India by assuming prominent roles like Economic Advisor to the Chief Minister and Co-director at National Bureau of Economic Research.
8. Rupi Kaur
A world-class poet, writer and illustrator, Rupi Kaur is dubbed as the Queen of Insta Poetry and one of the most popular women of India! Her timeless poetry and incredibly unique style of writing amassed her a massive following on Instagram. After several rejections from publishers, Rupi Kaur self-published her first book- Milk and Honey which went on to become a best-selling novel!
9. Sagarika Ghose
Next on our list of popular women of India is Sagarika Ghose. An incredible writer, journalist, author and Rhodes Scholar, Ghosh has worked with some of the biggest news houses in India and published widely acclaimed books like Indira: India’s Most Powerful Prime Minister. Her work as a journalist and anchor has made her an eminent public figure across the subcontinent.
10. Sania Mirza
The most successful, dedicated Indian tennis player and sportsperson, Sania Mirza is a recipient of numerous national awards conferred by the Indian government. She is one of the most popular women of India. Her sports career helped her amass wealth and international fame; she is the winner of six Grand Slam titles.
11. Mary Kom
Mary Kom is one of the most successful and world-famous Indian boxers. No doubt she is one of the most popular women of India. Currently serving as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha for her sports accomplishments. Mary Kom was the first Indian to win a gold medal at the Asian Games in 2014.
12. Indira Jaising
One of the most successful, notable female lawyers in India; Jaising is known across India for her values, women rights’ promotion and legal activism for human rights and the environment. Jaising is popular for taking up high- profile controversial cases in order to bring justice. Read more about her journey to becoming the super advocate of India!
13. Tongam Rina
An Arunachal Pradesh based journalist, editor and human rights activist, Rina is known for her admirable and critical coverage of prominent issues and insurgency in the state. Currently, the journalist is serving as the chief editor of The Arunachal Times and became famous for surviving of assassination attack back in 2012.
14. Kalpana Chawla
Kalpana Chawla is an icon, a historic figure and a widely cherished personality in India. Kalpana Chawla was an aerospace engineer, member of the NASA Astronaut Corps and the first Indian woman to go to space. Chawla’s career has inspired millions of Indians to pursue their dreams and aspirations despite all odds.
15. Lata Mangeshkar
Lata Mangeshkar is one of the most respected and widely acknowledged playback singers in India. The legendary music director has been awarded the highest civilian honour in India: Bharat Ratna for cultural service. In her 80-year long career, Lata Mangeshkar has directed and sung numerous popular songs.
16. Shakuntala Devi
A Math Genius, Human-Computer and best mathematician; Shakuntala Devi has many nicknames. The self-taught Indian mathematician was also an author, teacher and performer who sought to encourage maths and simplify the subject. Shakuntala Devi’s life and personality are so inspiring that it has been converted into a film adaptation. Here’s everything you need to know about Shakuntala Devi, the Human Computer!
17. Anuja Chauhan
A best-selling fictional author and screenwriter who quit advertising to pursue her dream of becoming an author. Anuja Chauhan is the queen of chick-flicks and amongst the most popular women in India’s whose best-selling books have been adapted into blockbuster hits!
18. Deepika Kumari
The magnificent Indian archer and accomplished athlete, Deepika Kumari is amongst the most influential and popular women of India. The shooting star of India, Kumari has achieved tremendous success at the mere age of 26, she is a Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist and a winner of prestigious awards like the Arjuna Award and Padma Siri.
19. Neena Gupta
Neena Gupta is one of the boldest actresses in India. Her acting range, film choices and personality makes her extremely likeable and inspirational. In recent times, Gupta has appeared in several unconventional roles and broken the spell of ageism surrounding the film industry. Her choice of films and impeccable acting skills make her amongst her most popular women of India.
20. Smriti Irani
Smriti Irani is a well-known political figure in our country. Irani left a successful acting career to pursue her political career in India by joining BJP in 2003. Irani served as a dedicated member of the party and assumed many leadership positions. Irani heads two significant ministries: Women and Child Development and Textiles in the Modi Administration.
21. Mithali Raj
As the captain of the Indian national women’s cricket team, Mithali Raj is the most popular woman in India. Raj is the greatest woman batsman, India’s highest run-scorer and the only Indian captain to have led India to two World Cup finals! Mithali Raj is not only an amazing cricket but also a trained classical dancer!
22. Sonal Mansingh
Sonal Mansingh is a famous performer, Indian classical dancer and Guru of dancing classic forms like Bharatnatyam and Odissi. She was nominated by the President to Rajya Sabha for achievements in art and culture; she is a winner of several national awards and founder of the Centre for Indian Classical Dances. This makes her one of the most popular women of India.
23. Arunima Sinha
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Former Indian Volleyball player to the first Female Amputee to climb Mount Everest; Arunima Sinha is an incredible source of inspiration for millions of India. Despite physical disabilities, Sinha has conquered the hardest mountains like Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Elbrus, Mount Kosciuszko, Mount Vinson and Mount Everest! She is truly amongst the most inspiring and popular women of India.
24. Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju
The first-ever transwoman doctor in the state of Karnataka, Trinetra Haldar is not just a powerful advocator for the transgender community but also a hardworking medical intern, content creator, motivational speaker and actress. At the mere age of 23, Trinetra Gummaraju is challenging gender biases and stereotypes in India!
25. Mayawati
Mayawati is a famous political personality and the national president of the Bahujan Samaj Party. The politician is committed to the principles of democracy, constitution and upliftment of the disadvantaged groups in India. Mayawati has served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh four times which makes her one of the most loved and popular political figures.
26. Mira Nair
The Academy Award nominee, Mira Nair is the most successful Indian filmmakers and constantly named amongst the most popular women in India! She is the queen of multi-cultural filmmaking and has made award-winning movies like Namesake, Monsoon Wedding, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, Vanity Fair and many more!
27. Tarla Dalal
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Next on our list of popular women of India is India’s most talented and beloved chef and bestselling author of numerous cookbooks, Tarla Dalal. The late Tarla Dalal began her career by giving cooking classes at home and soon published her first book- the pleasures of vegetarian cooking. The book was s major success and sold over 1.5 million copies!
28. Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana is an accomplished Indian cricketer and part of the national women’s cricket team for India. The young cricketer has been awarded the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Award by International Cricket Council for excellent performance in 2018 and in 2019 she received the International Woman Cricketer of the Year awards at CEAT International Cricket Awards.
29. Sridevi
Sridevi began her acting career at the mere age of 4 in a Tamil movie. In her long career, the actor has appeared in over 300 regional films across India. Her personality, acting and screen presence won her many awards and even Padma Shri for a stellar contribution towards art. Even though she is not with us now, she forever remains one of the most popular women of India.
30. Ira Singhal
Ira Singhal is the first Indian with a disability to top the UPSC examinations! Her achievements and willpower make her one of the most popular women of India! Her hard work, brilliance and ability to shine despite all odds are a source of strength and courage to everyone. From computer science major to MBA student and then finally cracking India’s toughest exam, Singhal’s journey to success is life-altering.
31. Suneeta Reddy
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Ranked 4th on the list of Fortune India Most Powerful Woman 2020, Suneeta Reddy is the Managing Director of India’s largest hospital chains, Apollo Hospital Group/ With over 70 hospitals across India and countries like Oman and Bangladesh under her wing, Suneeta Reddy is not just a leading Indian entrepreneur but also a feminist and a powerful force behind the success of Apollo Hospitals.
32. Vandana Shiva
Vandana Shiva is an Indian physicist, environmentalist and author. She is a global personality whose ideas and beliefs are often termed radical in nature. She is the founder of the Research Foundation for Science, Technology, and Natural Resource Policy. Her work and achievements have won her several international awards like the Sydney Peace Prize.
33. Deepa Malik
India’s most famous Paralympic athlete and the first Indian woman to win a silver medal in Paralympics; Deepa Malik is a force of nature. She began her sports career at the age of 30 and went on to win awards like Rajive Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award and Padma Shri. Here’s Deepa Malik’s incredible journey towards becoming the Extraordinary Paralympian!
34. PT Usha
Popularly known as the Queen of Indian Track and Field; Usha is a retired Indian athlete who gained prominence after her great performance at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Post the Olympics Games, PT Usha’s athletic career was widely followed and loved by many across India.
35. Vandana Luthra
Next on our list of popular women of India is Vandana Luthra. She is the founder of beauty and wellness conglomerate VLCC, a philanthropist and award-winning entrepreneur. The growth of her company is a testimony to Luthra’s hard work and business acumen, company has grown from a single beauty and slimming service centre in Delhi to thousands of centres in 150 cities and 14 countries!
36. Radhika Gupta
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Next on our list of popular women of India is India’s Youngest CEO and famously known as The Girl with the Broken Neck, Radhika Gupta. As a prominent corporate leader and the CEO of Edelweiss, Radhika Gupta’s life is a true inspiration for Indian women! Find out more about the Story of Radhika Gupta, the Girl with a Broken Neck & Youngest CEO!
37. Kiran Mazumdar
Kiran Mazumdar is the founder and CEO of Biocon, Indian’s leading biopharmaceutical company based in Bangalore. Kiran Mazumdar is hailed as India’s richest self-made woman with a net worth of $4 billion dollars according to Forbes Magazine. Her journey from a Zoologist major to the founder of the largest biopharmaceutical company is a must-read.
38. Laxmi Agarwal
Laxmi Agarwal is an acid attack survivor, activist and motivational speaker. Her courageous personality and tireless efforts aimed at justice for acid attack victims have won the hearts of millions. She has served as the director of Chhanv Foundation and has led successful campaigns like Stop Acid Sale.
39. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit
Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit was a well-known Indian diplomat, political figure and who served as the Indian ambassador to several countries like the Soviet Union, Mexico, Spain and the UK. She was the first woman to serve as the President of the United Nations General Assembly and that made her one of the most popular women of India.
40. Tessy Thomas
Terry Thomas is popularly known as the ‘Missile Woman of India’. She is hands down one of the most popular women of India. Thomas joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation and transformed the field of missile technology and research in India which ultimately led her to her career’s greatest achievement: the Agni missile project.
FAQs
India has many famous women, but one of the most iconic is Indira Gandhi, the country’s first female Prime Minister. She played a crucial role in shaping India’s political landscape. Other widely recognized women include Lata Mangeshkar for music, Kalpana Chawla for space exploration, and Mary Kom for sports.
The 5 most powerful women in India today are Nirmala Sitharaman (Finance Minister), Falguni Nayar (Founder of Nykaa), Indra Nooyi (former CEO of PepsiCo), Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (Biocon founder), and Mary Kom (boxing champion).
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam called Kalpana Chawla an inspiration for her achievements in space exploration. Other inspiring women include Malala Yousafzai for education, Sudha Murthy for philanthropy, and Mary Kom for sports. Their journeys prove that dedication and hard work can lead to greatness.
While Indira Gandhi remains one of India’s most famous women, Lata Mangeshkar is equally iconic for her legendary voice. Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, and Sania Mirza are also globally recognized for their contributions to entertainment and sports.
Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian woman in space, is a symbol of India’s pride. Other proud achievers include PV Sindhu (badminton champion), Sudha Murthy (writer and social worker), and Mithali Raj (cricket legend), who have brought immense honor to the country.
If we consider impact, Indira Gandhi was one of the most influential leaders of India. In business, Indra Nooyi left a global mark, while in science, Tessy Thomas, India’s “Missile Woman,” has played a key role in missile development. Each of these women has left a lasting legacy.
Interesting Reads
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salute to all these wonder women of substance
1 comment
salute to all these wonder women of substance