Best of 2016: Sonam, Alia, Anushka & Kareena; The actresses who wowed us with their stellar performances!

The year 2016 is coming to an end and hence we decided to narrow down the best performances by our favourite B-Town actresses. This year audiences witnessed a diverse range of roles from our leading ladies. While Sonam Kapoor's heart-wrenching portrayal of the braveheart Neerja Bhanot won her major applaud, Alia Bhatt's gritting and hard-hitting act in Udta Punjab was hailed by all. 

Here are a few actresses which make the cut to this year's top actresses:

Sonam Kapoor - Neerja

Sonam was endearing as Neerja Bhanot, delivering one of the best acts of her career, with the portrayal of the slain air hostess. She owns the film completely, essaying her role with pitch perfection. There was innocence, vulnerability, courage, and fear - a gamut of emotions showcased by Sonam.

Alia Bhatt - Udta Punjab 

What Alia achieved with this character at the age of 23 was praiseworthy. Her role of a Bihari migrant gave us chill down the spines, giving us a detailed insight about the horrifying degradation of her character, both physical and mental. There is a monologue in the film where Alia, in impeccable Bhojpuri, displays her strong hold over the emotional pitch of the scene. A standout act in her short span of career!

Anushka Sharma - Sultan & Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

A golden year for Anushka, belting out a blockbuster and a superhit film. 

Sultan saw her the in the role of a wrestler in Jatland, named Aarfa. A woman with ambition, she represents womankind in a strong, gender-stereotype- reversing way. Her love story with Sultan aka Salman Khan stands tall, a binding factor for the sports-oriented drama.

In Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Anushka's role was a complete contrast to her former character. As Alizeh, she outshines the others in the film, with her mature performance in a heartbreaking love story.

Kareena Kapoor Khan - Ki & Ka

Another tailor-made role for Bebo, which in a way, no one could have pulled off with such an ease and strength. She played the character of a strong, independent career woman - Kia - who is the 'man' in her marriage. The complexities which come with the role reversal tags and how it takes a toll on her married life, Kareena aced all the facets like a pro.

Swara Bhaskar - Nil Battey Sannata

As Chanda, Swara won our hearts, yet again. She essayed the role of the unwearied feisty mother who does not give up hope on her stubborn daughter, in order to give her girl a better future. A show stealer in the film, Swara was everything pitch perfect in this one. 

Taapsee Pannu - Pink

When a girl says no, it means NO. This courtroom drama had another powerful act by Taapsee representing one of the three working women in Delhi. As Minal, the actress epitomized all things which a woman suffers due to this patriarchal socitey. To an extent, in the court, she is asked brutal questions about her morality and sexual habits! Taapsee won our hearts as the silent but strong victimized woman, who fights for her rights with strength till the end. 

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan - Sarbjit

After Jazbaa, Aishwarya picked up a sensitive yet strong character of Dalbir Kaur, who dedicated her entire life to free her brother Sarbjit from the Pakistani prison. Going 360 degree from her usual roles to an extent of playing an aged woman, the actress made a sincere effort to get into the skin of the character. Unfortunately, the film tanked at the box-office. 

Radhika Apte - Parched

Radhika plays the role of a childless wife. She is wedded off to a man who indulges in physical abuse to conceal his own inadequacies. As Lajjo, the actress is excellent in every frame - a woman who is bruised and damaged yet has a zest to live her life to the fullest. 

Vidya Balan - Kahaani 2

Though not as hard hitting as the part one, Vidya carried the film solely on her shoulders and did a successful job. As Durga Rani Singh, Balan enacted the part of a mother, wherein she showcased her strength and ability to evolve as the role demands. Another feather in the actress' cap. 

Which of these actresses stumped you with their performance? Let us know in the comments below: