When it comes to Indian cinema, actresses are often viewed as mere eye candy, playing supporting roles to their male counterparts. However, over the years, several actresses have broken the mold and proven their mettle not just as performers, but also as entrepreneurs.
Here are 20 Indian actresses who have ventured into entrepreneurship and succeeded in their respective fields.
Deepika Padukone - Apart from being one of Bollywood's biggest stars, Deepika Padukone is also the founder of Live Love Laugh Foundation, a non-profit organization that works towards raising awareness about mental health.
Priyanka Chopra - Priyanka Chopra, who has made her mark in both Bollywood and Hollywood, is also the founder of Purple Pebble Pictures, a production company that focuses on regional Indian cinema.
Anushka Sharma - Actress Anushka Sharma co-founded Clean Slate Films, which has produced critically acclaimed films like NH10, Pari, and Phillauri.
Shilpa Shetty Kundra - Shilpa Shetty Kundra is the founder of IOSIS, a chain of wellness centers that offer beauty and spa services.
Katrina Kaif - Katrina Kaif is the co-owner of a fitness chain called Reebok Crossfit Robust.
Juhi Chawla - Actress Juhi Chawla co-owns Kolkata Knight Riders, a popular Indian Premier League (IPL) team.
Lara Dutta - Former Miss Universe and actress Lara Dutta co-owns Bheegi Basanti Productions, which has produced successful films like Chalo Dilli and Singh Is Bliing.
Preity Zinta - Preity Zinta co-owns Kings XI Punjab, another IPL team.
Sonam Kapoor - Actress Sonam Kapoor is the founder of Rheason, a clothing and accessories brand.
Kajol - Kajol is the co-owner of Ajay Devgn FFilms, a production house that has produced successful films like Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior and Drishyam.
Madhuri Dixit - Madhuri Dixit is the co-founder of RnM Moving Pictures, a production company that has produced the Marathi film 15 August.
Vidya Balan - Vidya Balan co-owns a production house called Tipping Point Films, which has produced films like Mission Mangal and Shakuntala Devi.
Dia Mirza - Dia Mirza is the co-founder of Born Free Entertainment, a production company that has produced films like Love Breakups Zindagi and Bobby Jasoos.
Chitrangada Singh - Chitrangada Singh co-owns a production house called Cinemation Films, which has produced the film Soorma.
Rani Mukerji - Rani Mukerji is the co-owner of YRF Studios, a production house that has produced several Bollywood blockbusters.
Sushmita Sen - Sushmita Sen is the founder of Tantra Entertainment, a production company that has produced films like Dulha Mil Gaya and Jhansi Ki Rani.
Twinkle Khanna - Actress-turned-author Twinkle Khanna is the founder of The White Window, an interior design store.
Malaika Arora - Malaika Arora is the co-owner of The Label Life, an online fashion and lifestyle store.
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Entertainment