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.

Mumbai: Irregularities have been committed in the tender being done by Mumbai Municipal Corporation for removing garbage from a major drain. There is no truth in this. The following facts are being clarified to avoid any misunderstanding in the public.

For the year 2025 and 2026, Mumbai Municipal Corporation has invited six tenders for removing garbage from major drains for the remaining six zones except zone one. Bids of eligible bidders were opened on 28 February 2025 and 01 March 2025. The documents of the bidders who submitted the tender were examined. The documents submitted by the bidders prove that they are eligible to bid.

It was found that the said bidders had bid at a rate of more than 3.90 plus 10%. Subsequently, the high rates were reduced from 3 per cent to minus 20 per cent through negotiations with the respective bidders on March 6, 2025. Tenders have been accepted at lower rates after the auction.

The Municipal Corporation has maintained complete transparency in the work of removing silt from the drains and the Municipal Corporation administration is committed to maintain it.

Mumbai: Maharashtra Samajwadi Party leader and suspended MLA Abu Asim Azmi has sent a letter to Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar calling his suspension wrong and calling the statement describing Aurangzeb as a better ruler and administrator wrong. He has said that the statement I issued was given when I was coming out of the Vidhan Bhavan. When journalists hurriedly asked me, I said that the Chief Minister of Assam has compared Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to Aurangzeb.

Whatever I said, I have cited the books of historians Satish Chandra, Adre Tashke, Dr. Rajiv Dixit, Dr. Ram Panyan, Avadh Ojha, Meena Bhargo and have not made any objectionable comment about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. I respect him. There is a conspiracy to defame me by making me say these things and what I did not say. During Aurangzeb’s reign, India’s border reached Afghanistan and Burma and this country was a golden bird, that is why the British came to occupy it. I had called Aurangzeb a better administrator. The fight between Chhatrapati Sambhaji and Shivaji Maharaj was political and for power. It was not a religious war. I do not believe in caste and religious hatred.

Therefore, my statement proves that whatever I have said, I have said it in the context of historians and I have not made any objectionable comment or controversial statement about Sambhaji Maharaj and Shivaji Maharaj. I am not at fault. Despite this, I have been suspended from the budget session. My suspension should be withdrawn. I have submitted documents related to the things I have said and historians along with the letter.

My suspension should be revoked because I am a public representative.