best autobiography movies bollywood

17 Best Hindi Biopic Movies of All Time

Biopics are the order of the day. And in a country like India, which is replete with talent in any given field of work, biopics make for engaging mediums of entertainment, which bring forth a person’s life story to the big screen. And it goes without saying that audiences too, lap up their beloved icons’ biographical representations with great interest.

Right from sports persons to businessperson, or politicians to commoners that stare in the face of adversity, India boasts of heroic stories from all nooks and crannies. Filmmakers, too, make the most of this and bring such sagas to the big screen at every given chance. ‘Raja Harishchandra’, India’s first ever feature film, too was a biopic, which heralded a new era of filmmaking. Here’s the list of Bollywood biopic movies that piqued audiences’ interest.

17. Haseena Parkar (2017)

As if movies by the dozen on underworld mafia kingpin Dawood Ibrahim weren’t enough, filmmaker Apoorva Lakhia decided to bring to life his sister Haseena Parkar’s story too! An otherwise insipid tale, which could have been more insightful, with a detailed glimpse into the life of Mumbai’s dreaded “Aapa”, the film could have worked wonders. Shraddha Kapoor portrayed the titular character but did not breathe life into it. The film only turned out to be a dreary docu-drama instead of an exciting crime thriller.

16. Rang Rasiya (2014)

This Ketan Mehta film ruffled a lot of feathers before it finally saw the light of day! Right from the time the film on India’s celebrated 19 th century artist was released at the London Film Festival in 2008, it was eyed as Mehta’s way of bringing the painter’s licentious side to the fore. Be it Nandana Sen going full Monty in some shots or the lead pair’s intimate scenes, Rang Rasiya kept getting delayed for various reasons. But it was Ketan Mehta’s strong belief in the subject that helped in the release of the film six years later!

15. Daddy (2017)

Directed by Ashim Ahluwalia, the film starring Arjun Rampal, is based on the life of gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli, which brought Rampal all the rave reviews. This political crime drama highlights the man’s rise to power post his frequent run-ins with dreaded don Dawood Ibrahim back in the late 1980s and how he turns to politics to make amends. The film had a slow start at the box office but it did manage to grab quite a few eyeballs.

14. Sarbjit (2016)

This Omung Kumar directed film, starring Randeep Hooda in the title role, was based on late Indian Sarbjit Singh, a farmer from Punjab, who in an inebriated state, crosses the border to Pakistan, where he was mistaken as an Indian spy and tortured in jail. His sister Dalbir Kaur, played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, ran from pillar to post to prove his innocence but failed to save her brother. The movie received a mixed response at the box office but it was Hooda’s honest portrayal of Sarbjit that stood above everything else in the biographical drama.

13. Mary Kom (2014)

Directed by Omung Kumar, this Priyanka Chopra starrer was a successful take on the life of Indian boxing queen Mary Kom. Mom to a set of twins in real life, the Manipuri sportswoman overcame marriage pressures and gender bias to go on and win medals for the country at international dos. Pee Cee, for once, did a very fine job and managed to work her magic at the box office as the titular character, but the truth sadly remained unchanged: Priyanka earned way much more money by portraying Mary than what Mary earned all her life!

12. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)

There is not one Indian that has never heard of “The Flying Sikh” 0r Milkha Singh, thanks to his international achievements and certain jokes that had been done to death at the world-class sprinter’s expense. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra was instrumental in bringing the veteran athlete’s life to the big screen and Farhan Akhtar did a commendable job as the decorated Indian athlete Milkha Singh. Right from copying his mannerisms to his trademark running style, Farhan had everything spot on, which brought him laurels!

11. M. S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016)

Based on the life of former Indian Cricket Team captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the film directed by Neeraj Pandey, did fairly well at the box office. Sushant Singh Rajput put his heart and soul into the character and managed to woo his fans as the Indian wicket keeper with Disha Patani and Kiara Advani as his leading ladies. Although the film had hit the right notes, one thing that stuck out like a sore thumb was projecting Dhoni as a ‘saint’, despite some controversies the ace cricketer’s professional front was mired in.

10. Guru (2007)

Dhirubhai’s gritty struggle and phenomenal rise got a feature-length it deserved. And unlike other biopics, ‘Guru’ does not shy away from exploring the darker shades of Dhirubhai’s personality as well as his transactions with the business and administrative world. Mani Ratnam never set out to make an eulogy out of it and stuck to his guns. He extracted fine performances from Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai but Mani’s masterstroke came in the form of Manikdas Gupta and Shyam Saxena played by Mithun Chakravarthy and Madhavan.

9. Dangal (2016)

This Aamir Khan starrer was one emotional tale of a father-daughter duo, loosely based on the life of Indian wrestling champion Mahavir Singh Phogat from Haryana and his daughters Geeta and Babita. The film portrays Aamir as the strict father, who once aspired to win a gold medal for his country but failed due to family responsibilities, and how he later materialized his dream by training his daughters in the sport. The film was a smash hit and debutantes Fatima Sana Sheikh, Sanya Malhotra, Zaira Wasim and Suhani Bhatnagar earned praises for their respective roles.

8. Zubeidaa (2001)

Karisma Kapoor, who is currently away from the arch lights, starred in this Shyam Benegal movie, where she portrayed the real life character of ill-fated actress Zubeida Begum. Written by film critic Khalid Mohamed, who also happens to be Zubeida Begum’s son, the film describes the story of the young actress, who married a Jodhpur royal for love, but at the tender age of 26, died in an airplane accident along with her husband. The movie also received a National Award for the best feature film in Hindi back in the day.

7. Manjhi: The Mountain Man (2015)

Director Ketan Mehta, who loves to tell stories with a difference, narrated the tale of Dashrath Manjhi, a humble labourer from Bihar, who broke down a mountain with only a chisel and hammer and carved a path across to the other side, after he failed to provide immediate medical assistance to his wife. The heart-wrenching story of the Mountain Man, who was mocked for trying to do the unimaginable, saw Nawazuddin Siddiqui playing the lead role in all earnestness. Not only did the film work wonders at the box office, it also helped the rest of India know a man, who literally moved mountains to make the impossible possible!

6. Neerja (2016)

They say Sonam Kapoor can’t act to save her life, but with this film, she proved them wrong! Based on the life of slain model-turned-flight attendant, Neerja Bhanot, the film won many accolades and a National Award for best Hindi feature film. The movie narrates the story of the 23-year-old head Pan Am flight attendant, who with her grit and determination, foiled a terrorist hijack plan, saving some 300 lives, while sacrificing her own. The tale of a woman’s professionalism and undaunting spirit managed to move the nation to tears.

5. Shahid (2012)

Rajkummar Rao is not called an ace for nothing! With this Hansal Mehta flick, he got into the skin of assassinated human rights activist and lawyer from Mumbai, Shahid Azmi, who was shot at in his office for having defended several high-level bombing cases over a period of time in Mumbai. Shahid’s life was replete with controversy, which was ably portrayed by Rao. The film also received national recognition as did Rajkummar Rao, who earned a National Award for his sincere performance.

4. Aligarh (2015)

Adapted from the real life story of Professor Ramchandra Siras, who was the Head of the Department of Modern Indian Languages and specialized in Marathi Literature at the Aligarh Muslim University, this Hansal Mehta film was critically acclaimed for portraying the fallen academician’s life to the T. Manoj Bajpayee played Siras, whose privacy was invaded at his residence and his sexual orientation was made public and he was later alienated for being gay. The film was a riveting take on Siras’ life, which Bajpayee portrayed with aplomb.

3. The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002)

Right from ‘Shaheed Bhagat Singh’, which transformed Shammi Kapoor into the legendary Indian revolutionary, to Manoj Kumar, Bobby Deol, Sonu Sood and Ajay Devgn, all have played the freedom fighter on the silver screen once. India seems to be obsessed with the character and filmmakers have brought his tale to the audiences time and again. Thankfully, Bhagat Singh’s biopics have never failed at the box office and actors that have been cast as the freedom hero, too, have played their part effortlessly in all the films.

2. Paan Singh Tomar (2010)

A two-time National Award-winning movie, this Tigmanshu Dhulia directed film starred Irrfan Khan in the lead role. Adapted from the real life story of famous Chambal dacoit Paan Singh Tomar, the film follows his story, where Tomar joins the Indian Army in the late 1950s and his talent in steeplechase is discovered. Post an early retirement, Tomar resorts to becoming a dacoit, wrecking havoc in the Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh. The film was a critical and commercial success, which also brought Irrfan a National Award.

1. Bandit Queen (1994)

Shekhar Kapur’s unnerving masterpiece chronicles the life of Phoolan Devi; a lower caste woman sexually abused and tortured by the Thakurs against whom she vehemently revolts and ends up becoming the leader of a gang. Seema Biswas stars in the lead role and delivers a performance of a lifetime, completely humanizing Devi and portraying the angst, frustrations, rage in a way no one else could have. The film was noted for its explicit depiction of sex, violence and strong use of language and continues to be shocking in its raw, honest portrayal of a life ignored, repressed and rotten.

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10 best biopic movies in Bollywood: Gangubai Kathiawadi to MS Dhoni: The Untold Story

Presented below is a compilation of 10 Bollywood films falling within the biographical genre, narrating the tales of real individuals and chronicling the ups and downs of their life journeys.

Indian cinema has delved into the biographical genre on numerous occasions, offering dramatized portrayals of the life journeys of non-fictional individuals. Biopics serve as a window into the lives of influential or overlooked figures, ranging from freedom fighters and war heroes to sports personalities and actors. These films capture the remarkable deeds—big or small—of personalities, shedding light on their stories for the public.

Bollywood, too, has produced several compelling biopics over the years. Some inspire and motivate, while others foster a sense of connection with the depicted figures. Here's a compilation of noteworthy Hindi biopic movies that leave a lasting impression.

10 biopic movies in Bollywood that tell unique stories:

1. gangubai kathiawadi (2022).

Running Time: 2 hours 34 mins
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Movie Genre: Biography/Crime/Drama
Movie Star Cast: Alia Bhatt, Shantanu Maheshwari, Ajay Devgn, Vijay Raaz, Seema Pahwa, Jim Sarbh, Indira Tiwari
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Writer: Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Utkarshini Vashishtha
Year of release: 2022
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Netflix

One of the best Indian biopics, Gangubai Kathiawadi revolves around the life of Gangubai Harjeevandas, who was compelled into a life in a brothel. The narrative unfolds as the young woman ultimately seizes control of the world that once confined her. Praised for its direction, cinematography, and stellar performances, the film garnered widespread acclaim and notably earned Alia Bhatt her first National Award.

2. Sardar Udham (2021)

Running Time: 2 hours 42 mins
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Movie Genre: Biography/Drama/Historical
Movie Star Cast: Vicky Kaushal , Shaun Scott, Amol Parashar, Banita Sandhu
Director: Shoojit Sircar
Writer: Shubhendu Bhattacharya, Ritesh Shah
Year of release: 2021
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video

The Hindi biography movie Sardar Udham delves into the life of Indian revolutionary Udham Singh, who assassinated Michael O'Dwyer in London as retribution for the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar. The movie garnered high praise and numerous accolades for its impactful portrayal of historical events.

3. Shershaah (2021)

Running Time: 2 hours 15 mins
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Movie Genre: Biography/War/Drama
Movie Star Cast: Sidharth Malhotra , Kiara Advani, Shiv Panditt, Sahil Vaid, Nikitin Dheer
Director: Vishnuvardhan
Writer: Sandeep Shrivastava

Shershaah traces the inspiring journey of Captain Vikram Batra, capturing his aspirations to become a soldier, his rise through the military ranks, and his pivotal role in India's triumph during the Kargil war. Recognized as one of the best biographical movies Bollywood has made, it offers a heartfelt portrayal of a true hero.

4. Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020)

Running Time: 1 hour 52 mins
IMDb Rating: 5.5/10
Movie Genre: Biography/Drama/Action
Movie Star Cast: Janhvi Kapoor , Pankaj Tripathi, Angad Bedi
Director: Sharan Sharma
Writer: Nikhil Mehrotra, Sharan Sharma
Year of release: 2020

Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl brings to light the life of Indian Air Force Pilot Gunjan Saxena, who, despite encountering reservations, pursues her dream and serves the nation during the Kargil War. The film's acclaimed narrative and performances have positioned it as one of the best biopic movies in Bollywood.

5. Sanju (2018)

Running Time: 2 hours 35 mins
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Movie Genre: Biography/Comedy/Drama
Movie Star Cast: Ranbir Kapoor , Paresh Rawal, Manisha Koirala, Vicky Kaushal, Dia Mirza, Anushka Sharma, Sonam Kapoor
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Writer: Rajkumar Hirani, Abhijat Joshi
Year of release: 2018

Sanju centers around the life of actor Sanjay Dutt and explores pivotal events in his journey, including his struggles with addiction, arrest, his bond with his father, and his acting career. This film not only achieved significant commercial success but has also secured its position among the top Indian biopic movies.

6. Dangal (2016)

Running Time: 2 hours 41 mins
Movie Genre: Biography/Sport/Drama
Movie Star Cast: Aamir Khan , Sanya Malhotra, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sakshi Tanwar, Zaira Wasim, Aparshakti Khurana
Director: Nitesh Tiwari
Writer: Nitesh Tiwari, Piyush Gupta, Shreyas Jain, Nikhil Mehrotra
Year of release: 2016
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Apple TV

Dangal narrates the story of Mahavir Singh Phogat, who trains his daughters, Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari, to excel as world-class wrestlers, realizing his dream of securing a gold medal through their achievements. The film not only achieved remarkable success at the box office but also stands out as one of the best biography movies Bollywood has made.

7. M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016)

Running Time: 3 hours 10 mins
IMDb Rating: 8/10
Movie Genre: Biography/Sports/Drama
Movie Star Cast: Sushant Singh Rajput , Disha Patani, Kiara Advani, Anupam Kher
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Writer: Neeraj Pandey, Dilip Jha
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Disney+ Hotstar

M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story provides a glimpse into the life of Indian cricketer and former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The film unfolds his journey from a young age, his experiences in training, his tenure at the Indian Railways, his marriage, and culminates with his iconic six in the 2011 World Cup final. Undoubtedly, it stands as one of the top biopics in Bollywood.

8. Neerja (2016)

Running Time: 2 hours 2 mins
Movie Genre: Biography/Thriller
Movie Star Cast: Sonam Kapoor , Shabana Azmi, Shekhar Ravjiani, Jim Sarbh
Director: Ram Madhvani
Writer: Saiwyn Quadras, Sanyuktha Chawla Shaikh

Neerja tells the courageous story of flight attendant Neerja Bhanot, who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the passengers of Pan Am flight 73 during a hijacking by terrorists in 1986. This biopic resonated deeply with critics and audiences alike.

9. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)

Running Time: 3 hours 6 mins
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Movie Star Cast: Farhan Akhtar , Divya Dutta, Sonam Kapoor
Director: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Writer: Prasoon Joshi
Year of release: 2013

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag shows the remarkable journey of the Flying Sikh, Indian athlete, and Olympian Milkha Singh. The film highlights how he triumphed over obstacles to emerge as one of the most iconic Indian sportspersons. With its compelling story and standout performances, the movie is known as one of the best Bollywood biopics.

10. The Dirty Picture (2011)

Running Time: 2 hours 24 mins
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Movie Star Cast: Vidya Balan , Emraan Hashmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Tusshar Kapoor
Director: Milan Luthria
Writer: Rajat Arora
Year of release: 2011

The Dirty Picture draws inspiration from the life of Indian actress Silk Smitha. The film tells the story of Reshma, a woman with aspirations of stardom, and delves into her journey as she transforms into an overnight sensation. Widely acclaimed, the movie gained special praise for Vidya Balan's stellar performance.

ALSO READ: 10 best Bollywood movies on social issues: Darlings to Thappad

A Bollywood enthusiast and ardent writer, Apeksha Juneja’s heart beats for the glitz and glamor of Indian

A Bollywood enthusiast and ardent writer, Apeksha Juneja’s heart beats for the glitz and glamor of Indian cinema. With two years of professional writing experience under her belt and armed with a BCom Honors degree, she passionately delves into the fascinating world of Bollywood, capturing every nuance of celebrities' lives. When not indulging in the celluloid magic, you'll find her engrossed in thrilling cricket matches, lost in fiction novels, or exploring new destinations across the globe.