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From Devdas to Hiramandi: How Sanjay Leela Bhansali created the most powerful female characters

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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

Rohit Shetty says ‘Golmaal 5’ will bring ‘laughter and joy’ on January 8, 2027

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Mumbai, Sep 19: Filmmaker Rohit Shetty on Saturday announced that the fifth installment of his “Golmaal” franchise is set to light up the silver screen with “laughter and joy” on January 8, next year.

Rohit took to Instagram, where he shared the vibrant poster of the film. The poster had Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Sharman Joshi, Shreyas Talpade and Kunal Kemmu on the iconic stretched-out motorcycle.

“LAUGHTER, FUN, JOY, HAPPINESS AND FAMILY… BAS, NOTHING ELSE 8TH JAN 2027 #RohitShettyProductions @authum_ent @tseries.official @divydangi @druhidangi @sarkarshibasish,” the caption read.

The filming for ‘Golmaal 5’ commenced in March this year with an ensemble cast including Ajay, Akshay Kumar, Arshad, Shreyas, Kunal, and Sharman. The movie went on the floor on filmmaker Rohit’s 52nd birthday.

Expressing his excitement, the director had then mentioned that 20 years ago, the first Golmaal was released, a film that changed his life.

He further mentioned: “The credit goes to you, my audience. Over the past 20 years, we have entertained you, and yes, sometimes disappointed you, but we have always been honest in our work.”

“So now, once again, my fabulous team and I are set on a journey to entertain you as we start filming G5. You have always loved and supported me. All we need is your blessings. See you at the movies.”

The first installment of the Golmaal film series, which hit the screens in 2006, stars Ajay Devgn, Tusshar Kapoor, Arshad and Sharman along with Rimi Sen and Paresh Rawal.

It was reportedly based on Harsh Shivsharan’s Marathi play Ghar Ghar, which also inspired Vora’s Gujarati play Aflatoon, in turn one of the inspirations for the film. The film was followed by 4 sequels such as Golmaal Returns, which released in 2008, 2010’s Golmaal 3 and Golmaal Again, which hit the silver screen in 2017.

All the films starred Ajay, Arshad, Tusshar, Sanjay Mishra, Vrajesh Hirjee and Mukesh Tiwari, with Shreyas Talpade appearing in three, Kunal Khemu and Johnny Lever in two. Akshay is joining the fifth installment.

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Bigg Boss 20: Aamrapali Dubey gets offended as Luv calls her ‘Tuntun’, says she felt body-shamed

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Mumbai, September 19: Bhojpuri actress Aamrapali Dubey appeared upset after friend and fellow contestant Luv Gill affectionately referred to her as “Tuntun” in the latest episode of Bigg Boss 20.

Although Luv appeared to use the term in an endearing manner, Aamrapali said she felt hurt and perceived the remark as body shaming.

Aamrapali expressed her displeasure to Luv and said she did not expect such a comment from someone she considered close. However, instead of accepting that Aamrapali had been hurt, Luv appeared irked by the reaction and told her not to tease her or consider her close. The exchange left Aamrapali visibly upset.

She explained that she would have appreciated it if Luv had simply acknowledged that the remark had hurt her and assured her that she would not use the word “Tuntun” for her again.

Later, Luv was seen telling Asif and other housemates that Aamrapali had taken offence to the remark, despite her saying that she had not intended to hurt her.

Aamrapali overheard the conversation and confronted Luv about it. She reiterated that she considered the “Tuntun” remark body shaming and said she had not expected it from Luv.

Aamrapali told Luv that she wanted her to understand the impact the remark had on her. She said she had expected Luv to acknowledge that it had hurt her rather than defend the intention behind the comment.

During the conversation, Luv said she did not know what “Tuntun” referred to when used for a person. Aamrapali responded that the reference was obvious and that everyone knows whom the name “Tuntun” is associated with.

For the uninitiated, “Tuntun” was the popular screen name of veteran Indian actress and playback singer Uma Devi Khatri. Known for her comic and character roles in Hindi cinema, she became popularly recognised by the name Tuntun and was also famous for her healthy body type.

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Muzammil Ibrahim ‘fasted’ for Salman Khan for ‘three days’

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Mumbai, Sep 18: Actor and model Muzammil Ibrahim has spoken about his admiration for Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and recalled how he kept a fast for him for three days.

Recalling his childhood obsession with Salman, Muzammil says, “I was a mad Salman Khan fan growing up. A lot of my childhood memories are somehow connected to trying to look and behave like Salman Khan.”

“My hair would literally come down to my eyebrows. I didn’t know that Salman sir was going through a receding hairline at the time, but he had this very distinctive, V-shaped forehead. Because he was so good looking, all of us wanted to look like him,” he recalled in the statement.

The obsession went so far that Muzammil and his friends would visit their barber and ask him to recreate Salman’s V-shaped hairline with a razor.

“It looked absolutely terrible, of course, and our hair would grow back very quickly,” he laughed.

Muzammil took his fandom a step further.

“I started tying bandanas so tightly around my forehead at night to get that look that I would wake up in the morning feeling dizzy!” he said.

“Even today, I have a full head of hair on one side and a slightly receding hairline on the right. So I like to joke that I managed to achieve the Salman Khan look—but only on one side!”

Muzammil credits the “Dabangg” star for inspiring him to start working out.

“I started going to the gym because of Salman Khan, 100 per cent,” he said.

He vividly remembers watching Salman in O Jaane Jaana and being fascinated by his physique.

“I remember watching him bend forward, with his lats popping out. I had no idea what lats were. I ran to my mother and said, ‘Mama, mama, Salman Khan has discovered a new muscle!’”

As a child, Muzzambil says, he and his friends would exaggerate everything Salman did.

“In our minds, Salman Khan wasn’t just a hero—he was this idol, the epitome of male beauty.”

His admiration became even more emotional during the difficult legal phase Salman went through.

“When he was going through those difficult legal cases, my friends and I genuinely didn’t know what we could do for him. We saw how disturbed he looked in the news, and the only thing we could think of was to pray for him,” he says.

Muzzammil and his best friend went as far as keeping a three-day fast for the actor.

“It sounds extreme now, but that’s how deeply we believed in him as kids. We wanted to do something, anything, that might somehow help him.”

When Muzzammil finally got an opportunity to meet Salman, he recalled it was at a club. He immediately shared one of his most personal childhood memories with the superstar.

“I walked up to him and said, ‘Salman sir, I used to fast for you. Me and my best friend.’”

Salman’s response left Muzzammil amused and impressed.

“He laughed and said, ‘Dua karo ke phir se na rakhna pade.’ I was completely taken aback by his response. I thought, ‘This man is something else.’”

“He has always had this incredibly nonchalant quality. He doesn’t seem to take life too seriously, and he has always seemed determined to live it on his own terms and enjoy it to the fullest.”

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