Bollywood
From Devdas to Hiramandi: How Sanjay Leela Bhansali created the most powerful female characters
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is one of the finest filmmakers of Indian cinema, whose grand vision and powerful storytelling have given the industry a different height. What makes his films special is not just their grandeur, but the characters that stay in people’s hearts for years to come. What is most special about Bhansali’s films is the strength of his female characters. The women in his films are not just beautiful and graceful, but also strong, courageous and inspiring. Their struggles, their strength, their emotions—Bhansali presents everything in his own unique way, making his characters memorable forever. This Women’s Day, let’s salute the most powerful and iconic female characters from his films, who have left an indelible mark on the big screen!
Padmavati in Padmavat
In Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavat, Rani Padmavati is not just a queen but a living example of honor, courage and sacrifice. She faced every challenge without bowing down, without fear and proved that honour is greater than any fear. Bhansali presented her story with stunning visuals and deep emotions, making her not just a character but an immortal icon forever. Her sacrifice shows the power of unshakable courage, which will always live in history.
Leela in Ram Leela
Leela of Ram-Leela was not just a lover, but an example of passion and rebellion. Bhansali showed her as fearless, bindaas and firm on her principles – who loves wholeheartedly and also knows how to fight. Even amidst traditions and enmity, she listened to her heart, lived love and pain with equal intensity. Leela was not just a lover, but a warrior of the heart, who was ready to stake everything for her love.
Kashibai in Bajirao Mastani
In Bajirao Mastani, Sanjay Leela Bhansali showed Kashibai not just as an unhappy wife, but as a strong, empowered and dignified woman. The deeper her pain, the more true her love. Kashibai’s character is not a story of revenge, but of dedication and self-respect. She loved Bajirao immensely, but never allowed herself to become weak. Her silent strength made her one of Bhansali’s most memorable and heart-touching characters.
Gangubai in Gangubai Kathiawadi
In Gangubai Kathiawadi, Sanjay Leela Bhansali created his strongest and most fearless heroine till date. Gangubai was not just a woman victim of circumstances, but one who turned pain into strength and fought for her rights. Her strong presence and fiery attitude are evident in every scene—whether it is her fiery speeches or her determination to snatch respect and justice from society. Bhansali’s vision made this story not just inspiring but iconic. Gangubai will always be remembered—as the epitome of courage, bravery and rebellion.
Chandramukhi in Devdas
In Devdas, Sanjay Leela Bhansali presented Chandramukhi not just as a courtesan, but as an epitome of selfless love and indomitable dignity. She was radiant, kind and fiercely loyal—someone who lived to give, not to gain in love. Bhansali captured her pain and dignity through his gorgeous visuals and heart-touching dance sequences. She did not need anyone’s approval or recognition, but her love was her greatest strength. Thus, Chandramukhi will remain one of Bhansali’s most beautiful and memorable characters.
Paro in Devdas
In Devdas, Bhansali made Paro not just a woman in love but an example of love and sacrifice. Even after being separated, she could never separate Devdas from her heart. With grand sets, spectacular costumes and deep emotions, Bhansali showed the story of her transformation from an innocent girl to a responsible woman. Circumstances separated them, but their love never diminished, proving that true love does not need to be together. Paro’s silent pain and unwavering love make her one of Bhansali’s most memorable heroines.
Mallikajaan in Heeramandi
In Heeramandi, Sanjay Leela Bhansali showed Mallikajaan not just as a mistress of courtesans but as an example of courage, wisdom and strength. She was the ruler of her world, but more than that, the protector of the women who depended on her. Bhansali has portrayed her as both powerful and emotional—ruling with authority but hiding the pain of her sacrifice. With lavish sets, a powerful story and deep emotions, Mallika Jaan was not just a mistress, but a living warrior who never gave in to circumstances.
Bibojaan in Heeramandi
In Heeramandi, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has portrayed Bibojaan as a blend of tenderness, strength and unfulfilled desires. Caught in the game of power, yet standing firm with her dignity and courage. Bhansali has made her a symbol of sacrifice and hidden pain—where love was a dream and emotions a luxury. Her silence also had a deep story, making her one of the most distinctive and impactful characters in Heeramandi.
This shows how Sanjay Leela Bhansali brings his female characters to life on screen – fearless, strong and memorable. He respects and supports women not only in films but also in real life. Associating his mother’s name with his own name is also a symbol of his deep respect and gratitude.
Bollywood
Sanjay Dutt says, ‘Grateful for the bond we share’ as he wishes Rakhi to sisters Priya & Anju

Mumbai, Aug 28: Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt said that he is extremely grateful for the bond he shares with his sisters Priya and Anju.
On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Sanjay treated his Instagram family to some rare and precious moments with his siblings.
The ‘Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.’ actor shared that he feels truly blessed to have Priya and Anju as his sisters.
He wrote on the photo-sharing app, “Priya and Anju, I feel truly blessed to have you both as my sisters. Through every chapter of life, your love and support have been a constant. Grateful for the bond we share. Happy Raksha Bandhan (sic)”, followed by a red heart emoticon.
Earlier today, Priya also compiled a heartfelt note for Sanju on social media.
Celebrating the bond they have managed to create over the years, Priya reflected on their childhood together.
Taking a trip down memory lane, she dropped a couple of photos from when they were kids and penned, “From childhood memories to all that life has brought our way, some things never change. The love, the laughter, the arguments, the endless stories, the unspoken understanding… and the comfort of knowing that no matter where life takes us, we will always have each other.”
“We have grown up together, watched life change around us, celebrated some of its most beautiful moments, and stood beside each other through the difficult ones too. And somewhere through all those years, this bond has remained one of the few constants I can always come back to.
“Happy Raksha Bandhan, Bhaiya. Here’s to all the memories we have made, all the years we have walked through together, Always grateful to have you as my brother,” she went on to add.
Their parents, late legendary actors Sunil Dutt and Nargis, got married back in 1958.
Bollywood
Sushmita Sen pens heartfelt b’day note for daughter Alisah: I named her ‘God’s precious gift’

Mumbai, Aug 28: Actress Sushmita Sen celebrated her daughter Alisah’s 17th birthday with a heart-melting note, calling her a “beautiful, thoughtful, kind and generous soul”.
Sushmita took to Instagram, where she shared a string of images featuring her with Alisah and other family members.
“Happpppyyyyy Birthday Shona @alisahsen_ A beautiful, thoughtful, kind and generous soul…one, that a very loving God gifted me on this day, 17 years ago…I named her “God’s precious gift” ALISAH,” she wrote as the caption.
The actress talked about the person Alisah has grown up to be.
“As time goes by & I witness the person behind the name…there is a deep,happy knowing, that you will indeed be a gift…for this world & humanity at large…I am proud of who you are & the grace of God that flows through you!!! I remain in awe of your simplicity…love you sooooooo much!!! #duggadugga Maa,” she added.
The actress is the mother of two adopted daughters. At the age of 24, she adopted her first daughter, Renee Sen, in 2000, while her second daughter, Alisah, joined the family in 2010.
On the work front, Sushmita was last seen in Aarya 3, an Indian crime-thriller drama television series by Ram Madhvani. The show stars Sushmita Sen in the title role and is based on the Dutch drama series Penoza.
The series is about Aarya, an independent woman who seeks to protect her family and joins a mafia gang to get revenge for her husband’s murder. Recently, the show has been nominated for the International Emmy Awards for best Drama series.
She has also worked in films such as Biwi No.1, Sirf Tum, Filhaal, Aankhen, Main Hoon Na, Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?, Aarya, and Taali, where she portrayed transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant in the miniseries, which was released in 2023.
Bollywood
Akhilendra Mishra shares Team ‘Lagaan’ picture from Mumbai outing at CST station

Mumbai, August 27: Actor Akhilendra Mishra, who played Arjan in the cult classic Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India, along with his Lagaan co-stars seems to be having a great time.
The actor shared a picture with his fellow members of the film’s team at Mumbai’s historic V.T. station. (Now CST)
In the picture, Akhilendra Mishra is seen posing with three other members of the Lagaan team against the imposing backdrop of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, formerly known as Victoria Terminus.
Talking about Lagaan, the movie released on June 15, 2001, and went on to become one of the most celebrated films in Indian cinema.
Starring Aamir Khan as Bhuvan, Gracy Singh as Gauri and Rachel Shelley as Elizabeth Russell, the film featured a large ensemble cast including Raghubir Yadav, Rajesh Vivek, Raj Zutshi, Pradeep Rawat, Daya Shankar Pandey, Yashpal Sharma, Amin Hajee and Aditya Lakhia. The film was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
The film completed 25 years in June this year, for which a major reunion of its cast and crew was held. Aamir Khan and Ashutosh Gowariker reunited with almost all the members of the original ensemble for a special celebration, while the film had also returned to theatres for celebratory re-release.
The anniversary celebrations also saw the cast revisit the film through a special script-reading session. Aamir Khan and Gracy Singh were seen recreating a Bhuvan-Gauri scene, while Aamir and Paul Blackthorne revisited some of the film’s iconic exchanges.
Recently, actor Pradeep Rawat, who played Deva Singh Sodhi, the Sikh ex-sepoy and an important member of Bhuvan’s cricket team in Lagaan, passed away at the age of 74 on August 4, 2026, following a battle with cancer.
Almost all members of the Lagaan fraternity, including Aamir Khan, Ashutosh Gowariker, Akhilendra Mishra, Daya Shankar Pandey, Amin Hajee and Yashpal Sharma, attended Rawat’s last rites in Mumbai and paid their final respects to their former co-star.
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