15 years of Ishqiya: How Vidya Balan redefined the femme fatale in bollywood

Fifteen years ago, Ishqiya (2010) gave Hindi cinema a character unlike any seen before—Krishna Verma is described as a “seductress”, who defied every stereotype of the Bollywood heroine. Brought to life by Vidya Balan, Krishna was equal parts sensual and scheming, vulnerable and vicious. She wasn’t just a love interest or a passive bystander; she was the force driving the film’s twisted tale of love, deception, and survival.

Vidya Balan’s portrayal of Krishna Verma was a game-changer. At a time when mainstream Bollywood rarely explored morally ambiguous female characters, she embodied a woman who owned her desires, her pain, and her choices—without seeking validation or redemption. She manipulated the men around her—Khalujaan (Naseeruddin Shah) and Babban (Arshad Warsi)—not for the thrill of it, but for her own survival, making her one of the most compelling female protagonists in Indian cinema.

Breaking the Mold: The Birth of a New Heroine

Before Ishqiya, Bollywood’s femme fatales were often stylized in extremes—either the vengeful seductress or the tragic beauty doomed by love. Krishna Verma was neither. She was a woman who blurred the lines between love and betrayal, innocence and cunning. In Vidya Balan’s hands, Krishna wasn’t a caricature of a femme fatale; she was deeply layered, unpredictable, and real.

One of the film’s most memorable moments is Krishna’s monologue, where she shifts from vulnerability to quiet menace within seconds. Her piercing glances and simmering intensity added to the enigma of her character. She didn’t seduce with theatrics; she did it with a quiet, unshakable power. Vidya’s performance made Krishna impossible to forget, ensuring that she lingered in the audience’s minds long after the credits rolled.

The Impact: A New Era for Women in Bollywood

Krishna Verma’s impact extended far beyond Ishqiya. She paved the way for complex female protagonists who didn’t fit into conventional molds. Vidya herself continued this trajectory with The Dirty Picture (2011) and Kahaani (2012), proving that female-driven narratives could be both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.

Vidya’s commitment to her role was evident from the start. She became the first Hindi film actress to promote her film in character. For the premiere of Sushmita Sen’s film, Vidya appeared dressed as Krishna Verma, fully embodying the character’s persona. Though her presence at the premier was brief, the bold gesture underscored her dedication and the impact of her character.

Even today, Krishna Verma remains one of Indian cinema’s most unforgettable characters. Her agency, mystery, and unapologetic control over her destiny set a new standard for female roles in Bollywood. As Ishqiya completes 15 years, it stands as a testament to Vidya Balan’s fearless choices and her ability to redefine the Hindi film heroine.

Krishna Verma wasn’t just a femme fatale—she was a revolution.