Happy Birthday Sanjay Leela Bhansali: 6 Times Filmmaker Gave Us Strong Female Characters

Sanjay Leela Bhansali, one of the most celebrated filmmakers of Bollywood is turning a year older today. He has given some remarkable movies to the industry and he has millions of fans as his craft takes everyone on a memorable ride. SLB celebrates his female character in every film. His leading ladies are fierce, strong, independent, and loved by the audience. From Paro, Chandramukhi to Mastani, Gangubai; SLB has given many strong and confident female characters who were masters of their fate, good or bad it was their choice. He gave us the real women on screen!

Bollywood had hardly seen a female character like Nandini before 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam', someone who experienced life rather than making choices based on someone's lessons or expectations. Nandini took a leap of fate and believed enough in herself to make a lifelong choice. Despite her obvious love for Sameer, she chooses Vanraj, something she wanted for herself too.

Devdas was the leading character of the film but Paro and Chandramukhi added meaning to the story. Presented with opposing ideals, the film proved both were acceptable and only SLB could do that.

Deepika Padukone plays Leela Sanera in Ram Leela, inspired by Romeo and Juliette, Bhansali's version saw Leela choosing her family and not love as per literature.

This period drama is inspired by the love story of Peshwa Bajirao and Mastani in which Kashibai is the woman whose self-respect was not even beyond the limitless love for her husband. On the other hand, Mastani was not just a lover, she was a fighter, she fought with Bajirao to save her father and his kingdom. She fought with everyone for the sake of her love and to be accepted as his wife.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus, 'Padmaavat', starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh despite being embroiled in major controversies before its release, the historic drama became one of the highest grossers of the year at the box office. The film reportedly minted a total of Rs 282.28 crore. Deepika set a beautiful example with the portrayal of Rani Padmavati in the film.

Gangu at first is the damsel in distress only to rise up for herself and take control of her life in every way it was possible for her. In the film, she fights for women outcast by society, helps their kids to get admitted to a nearby school and tries everything in her power to make the life of sex workers a little better.