Women’s Day: Paro to Leela, Bhansali’s iconic characters
Entertainment By Oshin Fernandes
Published Mar 08, 2025
Leela in Ram-Leela was a fiery, passionate woman brought to life through Bhansali’s grand storytelling. He portrayed her as a fearless force of nature.
In Bajirao Mastani, Bhansali portrayed Kashibai as a woman of immense strength, resilience, and quiet dignity. It is played by Priyanka Chopra.
In Padmaavat, Bhansali brings Padmavati’s story to life, portraying her as a symbol of strength, resilience, and sacrifice. It is played by Deepika Padukone.
In Heeramandi, Bhansali portrayed Bibojaan with a delicate balance of grace, quiet strength, and deep longing. It was played by Aditi Rao Hydari.
In Devdas, Bhansali portrayed Chandramukhi as a courtesan with a soul far beyond the world she belonged to. It was played by Madhuri Dixit.
In Devdas, Bhansali portrayed Paro as the embodiment of eternal love, resilience, and quiet strength. Aishwarya Rai was a symbol of sacrifice.
In Gangubai Kathiawadi, Bhansali showed her not just as a victim of circumstance but as a woman who rose above it, turning pain to power. Alia Bhatt played it.
Bhansali portrayed Mallikajaan in Heeramandi as a commanding matriarch, embodying power, wisdom, and unshakable resilience. Manisha Koirala played the role.
Celebrating strong female characters in Hindi cinema