OTT platforms have truly changed the game, giving audiences access to richer stories, layered characters, and fearless performances. No longer limited by formula, actresses are exploring bold narratives that stay with viewers long after the credits roll. From gripping thrillers to deeply emotional dramas, these women didn’t just play their roles — they owned them. Here’s a look at 10 actresses whose recent OTT performances left a lasting impact.
1. Yami Gautam – Haq
Yami Gautam Dhar delivers a quietly powerful performance as Shazia Bano, Abbas’ first wife, in Haq. With remarkable restraint, she captures the emotional weight of a woman navigating love, loyalty, and inner conflict. Grounded and deeply real, her portrayal stands out for its sincerity and emotional precision, reaffirming Yami’s reliability as a performer who lets silence speak.
2. Sanya Malhotra – Mrs.
With Mrs., Sanya Malhotra once again proves why she is one of the most fearless actors of her generation. Her performance is subtle yet devastating, capturing emotional complexity with remarkable nuance. It’s a role that sparked conversations and stayed with viewers long after the series ended.
3. Konkona Sen Sharma – Search: The Naina Murder Case
Konkona Sen Sharma brings intelligence and restraint to Search: The Naina Murder Case. Her performance lends depth to the investigative thriller, elevating the narrative with quiet authority. Controlled and compelling, she anchors the story while intensifying its emotional undercurrents.
4. Tillotama Shome – Paatal Lok Season 2
In Paatal Lok Season 2, Tillotama Shome delivers a performance defined by restraint and authenticity. Navigating a dark, unforgiving world, she brings layered emotion and raw realism to her role. It’s a reminder that the most powerful performances are often the most understated.
5. Vaani Kapoor – Mandala Murders
Vaani Kapoor steps into unfamiliar territory in Mandala Murders, portraying an investigator unraveling the truth behind a series of murders tied to dark historical secrets. Balancing vulnerability with resolve, her performance signals a confident evolution in her OTT journey.
6. Huma Qureshi – Maharani & Delhi Crime Season 3
Huma Qureshi continues to assert her dominance on OTT with commanding performances in Maharani and Delhi Crime Season 3. Whether navigating political power plays or criminal investigations, she brings authority, intensity, and emotional depth, proving her strength as a leading force in serious drama.
7. Shefali Shah – Delhi Crime Season 3
Despite mixed reactions to the season’s pacing, Shefali Shah remained the emotional backbone of Delhi Crime Season 3. As DCP Vartika Chaturvedi, her restrained yet deeply affecting performance once again earned widespread acclaim, reinforcing her place among OTT’s most respected actors.
8. Monika Panwar – Khauf
One of the most underrated web series of 2025, Khauf features Monika Panwar in a chilling, career-defining role. Playing a woman haunted by the dark past of her hostel room, she captures fear, vulnerability, and psychological trauma with striking honesty, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
9. Madhuri Dixit – Mrs. Deshpande
One of the most-watched OTT series of 2025, Mrs. Deshpande showcased Madhuri Dixit in a role layered with mystery and emotional weight. As the narrative unfolds around a copycat killer and a buried past, Madhuri brings elegance, gravitas, and quiet intensity, holding the audience’s attention throughout.
10. Shubhangi Dutta – Tanvi The Great
Shubhangi Dutta delivers a deeply moving performance as Tanvi Raina, an autistic woman determined to fulfil her late father’s dream of saluting the Indian flag at the Siachen Glacier. Facing systemic barriers with unwavering resolve, her portrayal is both inspiring and heartfelt. The film’s national and international acclaim owes much to her powerful performance.
Which ones you loved the most?