Five Decorated Indian Women Leaders in Media and Entertainment Industry

In a world where women are constantly breaking barriers and forging their own paths to success, some names stand out due to their remarkable talent, hard work, and extraordinary achievements. Ekta Kapoor, a pioneer in the Indian television industry, revolutionized the entertainment landscape with her innovative shows and production ventures. Manjamma Jogati, a renowned transgender dancer and performer from Karnataka, defied societal norms to become a celebrated cultural icon. Kangana Ranaut, with her fearless approach to acting and outspoken nature, has earned recognition as one of Bollywood’s finest actresses. K. S. Chithra, the legendary playback singer, has mesmerized audiences with her melodious voice, earning accolades across multiple languages. Bembem Devi, known as the "Queen of Indian Football," has inspired generations with her leadership and success on the field. These women exemplify perseverance, breaking societal constraints and inspiring millions with their trailblazing achievements.  

Here, we can go brief on with the top 5 women who decorated the Media and entertainment Industry with their huge achievements :

Ekta Kapoor

Ekta Kapoor started career at the age of 17 and did miracles in the entertainment field of the Indian television Industry. Balaji Telefilms is the company of Ekta Kapoor which completely changed the way television shows are produced and directed. Kapoor belongs to the film family, but she opted for the different path of television in the 90s. Her shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Pavitra Rishta, took viewers into a new way of Indian drama storytelling. She has done successfully in film and in digital content like Alt Balaji, which has boosted her power in the web content world. Kapoor was honored with Padma Shri in the year 2020. She has also bagged the International Emmy Directorate Award in 2023. This recognition came for the actress for her contribution in the field of the arts.

Manjamma Jogati 

Manjamma Jogathi is a famous actress, singer, and dancer of Jogathi Nritya, a folk-dance form of North Karnataka. It became a significant event for inclusion and representation in traditional art forms of India when she made a record breakthrough in Indian history by becoming the first-ever transgender president of the Karnataka Janapada Academy in 2021. Manjamma Jogati is an inspiring voice for the art of Jogati and has committed herself to keep the same art form. She has struggled for its community and turned into being the true advocate for those tortured by society. Padma Shri is awarded by the Indian government in the year 2021 for his contribution to folk arts.

Kangana Ranaut 

Kangana Ranaut is an actor, director, producer and a member of the Lok Sabha. She has created an individual identity in the film industry, such as her starring films, which include Gangster, Woh Lamhe, Life in a Metro, Fashion and many other films. Thalaivi biographical drama film made by Kangana focused on the life of an Indian actress and politician, J. Jayalalitha. Kangana achieved much recognition for her outstanding performance. She has won four National Film Awards, five Filmfare Awards, and has appeared in the Forbes India's list of 100 celebrities six times. Besides, the Government of India granted her Padma Shri in the year 2020 for her amazing contribution in the cine world.

K. S. Chithra

K. S.  Chithra is a playback singer whose mellifluous voice has become the most delightful for millions of Indian listeners. She has sung nearly 25000 songs in more than 9 major Indian languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, Punjabi, Oriya, Bhaduga, and Bengali, apart from singing in several other languages such as Latin Arabic, Sinhalese, English, and French. From Ilaiyaraaja through A. R. Rahman and M. S. Viswanathan, she is behind some of the most memorable tracks in Indian cinema. Chithra holds her professional ethics in keeping music completely and truly soulful, unbent to commercial pressure, thus building her relationship with millions of listeners. She truly is more than a mere singer, a real representative of Indian music for the zeal she instills in the hearts of upcoming artists. She was honored with National Film Awards, Filmfare Awards, and also awarded India's third-highest civilian honours Padma Bhushan in 2021 and Padma Shri  in 2005 for her valuable contributions towards the Indian musical fraternity. 

Bembem Devi

Bembem Devi has been the face of women's football in India. She is popularly referred to as the 'queen of Indian football'. Bembem has been representing the Indian women's national football team for over twenty years, which classifies her among the finest female footballers in India. The Indian government conferred the Arjuna Award upon her in 2017 and Padma Shri in 2020 for all her hard work and efforts in the sports field. Bembem Devi has marked her presence and thus, women’s football has transformed to a level where it has inspired many young girls to take up the sport. Under her captainship many international tournaments happened, and she possesses leadership as well as technical skills which characterize her as a role model for upcoming footballers. She doesn't stop her career however continues to work for improving opportunities for women athletes in the country.

The contributions of women leaders in India have been significant and paradigm-changing in terms of shaping the Media and Entertainment Industry. Breaking barriers, they now prove that women can lead, innovate, and tell stories that speak to a diverse audience and motivate other women to achieve in their lives.