Bollywood has often shown journalists on screen, but some portrayals have felt especially sharp and layered. A group of seven actresses stepped away from usual glamour roles and played reporters with grit. These characters focused on ethics, courage and investigation, while giving audiences strong, memorable performances instead of only glossy entertainment.
Across different films and a web series, these actors showed journalists facing politics, crime, religion and personal risk. Each role highlighted a different aspect of newsroom life, from television debates to undercover work. They also let go of heavy styling, even when the narratives still used ‘glamour’ a miss as a contrast.
Bollywood journalists and their on-screen roles
The range of roles can be seen clearly through their characters, professions and storylines. From national television studios to local crime scenes and a controversial flyover, the settings stayed varied. The table below captures the basic details before we look deeper at each portrayal.
| Actress | Film | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Rani Mukerji | No One Killed Jessica | Journalist |
| Alia Bhatt | Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani | Rani Chatterjee |
| Anushka Sharma | PK | Jagat Janani “Jaggu” |
| Kareena Kapoor Khan | Satyagraha | Yasmin Ahmed |
| Alaya F | U-Turn | Radhika Bakshi |
| Samara Tijori | Daldal | Anita |
| Raashii Khanna | The Sabarmati Report | Amrita Gill |
Bollywood journalists in real-event inspired narratives
Rani Mukerji’s turn in No One Killed Jessica stood out for its intensity and urgency. The film, based on the Jessica Lal case, showed Rani as a blunt, fearless reporter. The character chased leads, challenged powerful figures and refused silence. The performance captured media pressure when justice appeared delayed.
The Sabarmati Report gave Raashii Khanna the part of Amrita Gill, who investigated The Sabarmati incident. The narrative followed attempts to piece together what happened, while handling political sensitivity. Through Amrita’s emotional strain, Raashii Khanna highlighted a reporter’s persistence, as well as the personal cost of staying honest under scrutiny.
Bollywood journalists on television and in political spaces
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani showed Alia Bhatt as Rani Chatterjee, a stylish yet sharp Bengali television anchor. The character balanced a bold wardrobe with firm questioning on air. Rani Chatterjee pushed for tough conversations, spoke without fear and often challenged guests, stressing a journalist’s role as an assertive voice.
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Yasmin Ahmed in Satyagraha navigated protests, scams and political deals. The film placed Yasmin between public anger and official power. Her reports tried to expose corruption while dealing with access, safety and fairness. The storyline reflected dilemmas journalists face when truth clashes directly with influential interests.
Bollywood journalists in lighter and thriller narratives
In PK, Anushka Sharma portrayed Jagat Janani, known as Jaggu, a spirited television journalist. Jaggu supported an alien visitor while questioning blind faith and social rules. The character brought humour, empathy and curiosity to heavy themes. Through Jaggu, the film suggested how media can question long-held ideas without losing warmth.
The thriller U-Turn cast Alaya F as Radhika Bakshi, a reporter chasing a string of strange accidents. The story followed Radhika’s work on a piece about the new NTPC flyover in Chandigarh. Curiosity turned into danger as the road’s dark pattern emerged. The role underlined risk when journalists keep digging.
Undercover Bollywood journalists and shifting identities
Amazon Prime Video series Daldal introduced Samara Tijori as Anita, who operated under disguise. The character entered difficult spaces to uncover hidden truths, then slowly slipped into morally grey decisions. By showing that change, the series explored how deep investigations can blur lines. Samara Tijori’s role stressed dedication along with psychological strain.
Taken together, these seven portrayals showed journalists as complex, driven professionals rather than side characters. The actresses moved away from glossy parts to focus on ethics, danger and emotional conflict. Their work presented reporters as central to stories about justice, politics, faith and fear, while keeping audiences closely engaged.