With Shraddha Kapoor’s Eetha bringing the remarkable life of legendary Lavani performer Vithabai Narayangaonka rto the silver screen, Bollywood once again reminds us why biopics continue to captivate audiences. These films don’t just entertain—they preserve history, celebrate extraordinary individuals, and introduce younger generations to stories that deserve to be remembered.
Here are some of Bollywood’s most memorable biopics.
1. Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022)
Played by Alia Bhatt, Gangubai Kathiawadi tells the story of Gangubai Harjivandas, a woman who was forced into prostitution but eventually became one of Mumbai’s most influential voices for sex workers’ rights.
Alia’s career-defining performance earned widespread critical acclaim and a National Film Award, making the film one of the biggest biographical successes in recent years.
2. M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016) 
Sushant Singh Rajput immortalised the journey of former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, tracing his rise from a ticket collector in Kharagpur to one of India’s greatest sporting icons.
The film remains one of Bollywood’s most beloved sports biopics.
3. 83 (2021) 
Ranveer Singh transformed into cricket legend Kapil Dev, recreating India’s historic 1983 Cricket World Cup triumph.
More than a sports film, 83 became a nostalgic tribute to the team that changed Indian cricket forever.
4. Shershaah (2021)
One of the most emotional war films in recent years, Shershaah featured Sidharth Malhotra as Captain Vikram Batra, the Param Vir Chakra awardee who sacrificed his life during the Kargil War.
His iconic words, “Yeh Dil Maange More!” continue to inspire generations.
5. Mary Kom (2014) 
Priyanka Chopra Jonas portrayed six-time world boxing champion Mary Kom, chronicling her inspiring journey from rural Manipur to becoming one of India’s greatest athletes.
The film highlighted resilience, motherhood, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
6. Sam Bahadur (2023) 
Vicky Kaushal stepped into the shoes of India’s first Field Marshal, Sam Manekshaw, whose leadership during the 1971 Indo-Pak war remains legendary.
The film was praised for Vicky’s uncanny transformation and restrained performance.
7. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
Often regarded as one of India’s greatest sports biopics, Farhan Akhtar portrayed Milkha Singh, the “Flying Sikh.”
The film chronicled Milkha’s traumatic Partition experiences, military career, and incredible journey to becoming one of India’s fastest athletes.
8. The Dirty Picture (2011)
Inspired by the life of South Indian screen icon Silk Smitha, Vidya Balan delivered one of the boldest performances of her career.
The film explored fame, exploitation, loneliness, and the price women often pay in the entertainment industry.
9. Super 30 (2019) 
Hrithik Roshan portrayed mathematician Anand Kumar, whose Super 30 coaching programme transformed the lives of underprivileged students preparing for the IIT entrance examinations.
The film celebrated education as a powerful tool for social change.
10. Sanju (2018) 
Ranbir Kapoor stunned audiences with his remarkable transformation into Sanjay Dutt.
The film explored the actor’s struggles with addiction, legal battles, personal losses, and eventual redemption, becoming one of Bollywood’s highest-grossing biopics.
11. Srikanth (2024) 
Rajkummar Rao portrayed industrialist Srikanth Bolla, who became one of India’s most inspiring entrepreneurs despite being visually impaired.
The film beautifully demonstrated that disability is never a limitation to ambition.
12. 12th Fail (2023)
Based on the real-life journey of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, 12th Fail starred Vikrant Massey in what many consider the finest performance of his career.
The film resonated deeply with students across India, proving that perseverance matters more than academic setbacks.
13. Chandu Champion (2024)
Kartik Aaryan underwent an extraordinary physical transformation to portray Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medallist.
The film shed light on an unsung sporting hero whose remarkable achievements had long remained overlooked.
When Reality Outshines Fiction
Biopics have become one of Bollywood’s most powerful storytelling formats because they remind us that the greatest stories are often real.
Whether it’s Gangubai’s courage, Dhoni’s composure, Milkha Singh’s determination, Sam Manekshaw’s leadership, or now Vithabai Narayangaonkar’s extraordinary journey in Eetha, these films celebrate people who refused to let circumstances define them.
Perhaps that’s why audiences continue to embrace biopics—they don’t just tell us what happened.
They remind us of what’s possible.
