5 Characters From Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Films That Are Empowering

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's films are larger than life, yet relatable and empathetic storylines. The characters in his films and the depth to their individual conflicts are noteworthy. Each character has a personal story to tell, these stories empower the character as well as the whole premise on which it is set. The female characters in Bhansali's film capture the true sense of women's problems. Most importantly in his films, the female character has a journey, which evolves over the film that is inspiring and empowering. 

Take any film, Devdas or Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, lead female actor or supporting female actor everybody has a story to tell. Chandramukhi to Nandini all were inspiring, all had their share of the issue to address. Bhansali's storytelling had the power to show grey shades instead of just black and white. 

Here is the list of 5 Empowering Characters From Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Films

Annie From Khamoshi: The Musical

Annie was played by Manisha Koirala. The film portrays Annie as a caring daughter of a deaf-mute couple. Annie falls in love with Raj (Salman Khan), who inspires her to sing again. Her parents were against Annie-Raj's relationship as their religions were different. Also, Annie got pregnant without marriage. Annie did not just refuse to abort the child, she also went against her church and religion to marry Raj. She chose love over everything. She made her decisions keeping herself in the center, which every woman doesn't do. Women keep their needs secondary. So Annie's character empowers other women out there who are sacrificing their own happiness for someone else's. 

Sofia From Guzaarish

Sofia was played by Aishwarya Rai. She is a nurse in the film taking care of a paralyzed magician-turned-Radio jockey Ethan. Sofia stood beside Ethan taking care of him for 12 years. She was in love with him. Later, in one section of the film when Sofia returns, she returns as a single divorce woman. The film is set in a time where divorce is taboo and choosing love at such a stage of life seems practically impossible. Sofia also promises Ethan to help with his euthanasia, whatever the consequences are. To sum it up Sofia fights for her love and takes necessary steps without giving in to consequences, which is empowering. Her selfless love empowered her.

Michelle From Black

Black is the most critically acclaimed film. The film narrates the story of Michelle played by Rani Mukerji, a deaf-and-blind woman, and her relationship with her teacher Debraj played by Amitabh Bachchan, an elderly alcoholic teacher. Michelle, who grows up as a violent, uncontrollable child later turns into an expressive woman who is even able to dance and pursue a bachelor's degree. However, it was not easy for her to complete a degree in three years. She struggles to gain her degree, failing year after year, but maintains her spirit. Twelve years later, Michelle manages to gain her degree. It was her perseverance and spirit that she did not give up despite her condition and went on to hold a degree. Michelle symbolises hard work and a no-quitting attitude. She inspires to be a role model to many women like her. 

Gangubai in Gangubai Kathiawadi 

Gangubai played by Alia Bhatt is a story of a young girl forced into prostitution against her will. She came from a small village in Gujarat with her boyfriend but ends up in a brothel. That is where she becomes Gangubai. Gangubai from a sex worker becomes an activist-politician and fights for women's rights living in a brothel. She fought for the children of sex workers to give them a better life. Gangubai's character is based on the true story of Gangubai. Her character empowers her to do greater good for women who are suffering as she did instead of feeling sorry for herself. 

Paro and Chandramukhi From Devdas

Love can be complicated at times. Paro and Chandramukhi both fall for the same guy. it feels less empowering. But love can happen with anyone and anytime, irrespective of the situation. Both Paro and Chandramukhi at their own places never let anyone disrespect them. Chandramukhi knows well to protect her honour and stop the humiliation. Despite being a dancer at the brothel, she lived in her profession with dignity. Paro on the other hand after being humiliated and rejected by love her life chose her self-respect and rejected Devdas. What may the consequences be both characters chose to protect their self-respect. 

Suggested Reading- Hearing Child Of Deaf Parents, How Jugneet Kaur Is Popularising Indian Sign Language