1 Tabu – Chandni Bar (2001)
A film on the sorry plight of bar dancers was ahead of its time in that era. But Madhur Bhandarkar took the risk and it paid off. Tabu’s dedicated performance played a large role here. It is still considered as one of her top performances.
2 Konkona Sen Sharma – Page 3 (2005)
Konkona Sen Sharma was acclaimed for her debut role in Mr and Mrs Iyer. But she became a known face in mainstream cinema only after Madhur Bhandarkar’s Page 3. In other words, the filmmaker brought her into the limelight.
3 Bipasha Basu – Corporate (2006)
Corporate remains one of Bipasha Basu’s few top performances. Madhur Bhandarkar signed her for the lead and she made very good use of it. Her portrayal of a senior corporate executive, Nishigandha Dasgupta brought the character alive realistically.
4 Priyanka Chopra – Fashion (2008)
Today, Priyanka Chopra is one of the top female performers of Hindi cinema. Her first success as an artist came in Madhur Bhandarkar’s Fashion. Of course, it was her act that is responsible for this. Before this film, she was only known as a glamorous star.
5 Kangana Ranaut – Fashion (2008)
Kangana Ranaut is one actress to have made it to the top without relying on any big name. She was brought into the mainstream by Madhur Bhandarkar in Fashion. Although she was impressive in her debut Gangster (2006) and her second film Woh Lamhe (2006), it was Fashion that marked her arrival.