Vidya Balan to Zaira Wasim: Have a look at top performances by actresses in 2017 that won our hearts

This year, a lot of films were released and women in these films played an important role. Either the story revolved around these female characters or they were the reason the stories existed. 

To give these female characters a face, a personality, and life, credits should be given to actresses who performed them. From Vidya Balan's chirpy, happy-go-lucky, ambitious Sulu to fierce and strong mother played by Sridevi, this year we saw actresses had a stronghold in the movies. Their performances were remarkable and deserve to be applauded. 

Check out some of the best performances by actresses in 2017: 

Vidya Balan in Tumhari Sulu 

It goes unsaid that the National Award winner is a brilliant actress. She was beautiful as Sulu. Her performance was so natural; we could completely empathize with her character. Sulu was sweet and cheerful and only Vidya could've performed the character so well. 

Kangana Ranaut in Rangoon 

Despite the movie starring two of the great actors Saif Ali Khan and Shahid Kapoor, Kangana stood out. The different shades of her character and bravery she portrayed by playing Julia were spectacular. 

Zaira Wasim in Secret Superstar 

Her acting prowess was appreciated in Dangal itself. In Secret Superstar, she proved that she is here to stay. From playing a wrestler to a singer, Zaira has excelled as an actress. 

Anushka Sharma in Phillauri 

She played a ghost in the movie. Anushka has played a lot of girl-next-door characters and also a badass woman in NH 10. However, in Phillauri, she had to be funny as well as there were a lot of serious, emotional scenes. Anushka is a good performer and we love her in the film. 

Sridevi in Mom 

With Mom, Sridevi showed to what extent a mother can go to protect her child. Sridevi's performance is captivating and her character will make you feel proud. 

Alia Bhatt in Badrinath Ki Dulhania 

Alia Bhatt is one of the fantastic actresses we have now. In BKD, her character Vaidehi is smart, witty, and ambitious. Even if there are situations where her character has to go through unnecessary humiliation and struggle, she fights back. Her rebellious and strong performance in the movie is appreciative. 

Parineeti Chopra in Meri Pyaari Bindu 

Parineeti played an adorable, quirky and lively character Bindu that we fell in love it. Bindu is self-obsessed but her obsession looks charming and no one better than Chopra could've played Bindu so beautifully. 

Bhumi Pednekar in Toilet - Ek Prem Katha 

This was Bhumi's second film; however, despite sharing the screen with Akshay Kumar, she left a mark on her performance. Bhumi played a courageous and feisty woman in the film that she sometimes stole the show with her performance. 

Kriti Sanon in Bareilly Ki Barfi 

Kriti looked stunning as Bitti Mishra, a free-spirited girl. Her character goes from being quirky to a charming woman with ease. Her chemistry with Rajukummar Rao and Ayushmann Khurrana in the movie is sweet and endearing.