Shabana Azmi (Neerja) 

It is very difficult to accurately portray the pain, tension and anxiety of losing a loved one on screen, particularly in the case of a parent losing their child. Ms. Azmi manages to do so in a highly convincing manner, and her rousing speech at the climax of the film surely drew tears from majority of the viewing audience. Beyond this though, she was exceedingly charming in the early scenes - doting over her daughter, imploring her to consider taking up a less stressful job, scolding her for being mischievous - and generally being the typical Indian mother we all know and love, without having to use histrionics or needless melodrama.

Ratna Pathak Shah (Kapoor and Sons ; Nil Battey Sannata)

Generally outstanding whenever she is on screen, Ratna Pathak Shah's two outings in 2016 were no different. Amongst a surfeit of exceedingly talented actors (and Sidharth Malhotra) in Kapoor and Sons, Ms. Pathak stood out because of the sincerity with which she essays the character. Given a complex and surprisingly pivotal character, she brings her years of theater and TV experience to the fore by nailing both comedic and emotional scenes perfectly. Her performance in Nil Battey Sannata is also memorable, as the wise old head serving as a sounding board to Swara Bhaskar's character. Again, she serves a vital role despite limited screen time - a gift that few actors possess. 

Kareena Kapoor Khan (UDTA Punjab)

While Alia Bhatt rightfully took the plaudits with her performance in Udta Punjab, it would be criminal to overlook Kareena Kapoor Khan's own stellar performance in Udta Punjab. Having faced criticism for taking on 'safer' roles in megastar vehicles over the last decade, while her female contemporaries continue to push boundaries at home and abroad, Kareena shows off the acting chops that earned her Filmfare Awards in the mid-2000s. The urgency and vibrancy she brings, as well as her chemistry with Diljit Dosanjh are crucial to the pace of the film. In a movie with so many positive highlights, Kareena is definitely one of them.

Kirti Kulhari (PINK)

One of those familiar faces that you're never quite able to face, Pink was Kirti Kulhari's real breakthrough. In her first film appearance since 2014's Shaitan, Kirti gives a stunningly defiant as one of the 3 girls who are subject to harassment and then wrongfully taken to court. While the narrative centers around Taapsee Pannu's character, Kirti ends up having some of the most striking scenes during the courtroom interrogation. Moreover, she more than holds her own alongside Mr. Bachchan - which is a tremendous feat in itself. Having shared screen space with the industry's leading actors in various advertisements over the years, it may not be long before she is cast opposite one of them in a feature film.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil)

Compared to the overbearing screech-fest that was Aishwarya's performance in Sarabjit, Ms. Bachchan's second outing of the year was surprisingly nuanced and restrained. Essaying the role of Saba, a sultry poet who only speaks in eloquent Urdu it seems, Aishwarya is perhaps the most convincing character in the film. Ageing is clearly not a barrier, as she looks as beautiful as she did in her prime, and her dialogue delivery remains impeccable. Despite her inherently glamorous appeal, which lends itself to the character, she is still able to effectively convey the more intricate and nuanced emotions. With only her eyes - without doubt the most emotive in the business - Aishwarya is able to express more than most actresses with their entire face. Karan Johar said this is Aishwarya's best performance in years, and - though she has been less prolific in recent times - he is not wrong. 

Fatima Sana Shaikh as Commonwealth Games gold medalist Geeta Phogat in 'Dangal'.

Fatima Sana Shaikh (dangal)

Curiously shunned by the recently announced Filmfare Awards, we here at TiC had no hesitation drafting in Fatima Sana Shaikh for these awards. Indeed, the only question was whether to have her in the 'Best Actress' category, but given that she only enters the film close to halfway, we had to categorize her role as a supporting one. Each of the 4 girls (the younger and older versions of Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari) were outstanding, but Fatima's intensity during the wrestling sequences really made her stand out. Handpicked by Aamir Khan and team after an intensive casting process, Fatima's performance is effortless - even when her character is going through a period of poor form and ill-discipline, her charm and innocence has you rooting for her. Now that her talent has been announced to the world, there is surely more to come from this exciting actress.