Published By: Sayan Paul

Yash Chopra's Birth Anniversary: The 'Dreamy', 'Gorgeous' Leading Ladies In His Films

The late legendary filmmaker broke away from stereotypes in his portrayal of women on the screen.

"In Yash Chopra films, there was great dignity in his heroines." - Rakhee

Yash Chopra had immense admiration for women. He believed that it was his duty to present women, "God’s creations", beautifully on the screen. However, it was not all about their elegance in the chiffon sarees; there were loads of depth in those characters as well. In all his films, Chopra highlighted the remarkable strength of women, along with everything from their pain to inner conflicts to emotional journeys and more. His heroines often broke away from norms, inspiring all the women across the country and beyond.

Born on September 27, 1932, Yash Chopra enjoyed a glorious career spanning over five decades - from 1959 (with 'Dhool Ka Phool') to 2012 (with 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan'). And during that long period, every actress in the industry dreamed of being "Yash Chopra heroine" at least once in their lifetime. On the other hand, every woman across India wanted to look and feel like a "Yash Chopra heroine". This is something no other filmmaker in Indian cinema has been able to achieve.

Credit: NFDC India

Today, as we remember Yash Ji on his birth anniversary, let's celebrate some of the gorgeous leading ladies from his films.

Chandni in 'Silsila' - Rekha

The list has to begin with Chandni from Chopra's 1981 film, 'Silsila', played brilliantly by a dreamy Rekha. The musical romance drama starred Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan as well, but Rekha as Chandni was undoubtedly the heart of the film. She looked beautiful obviously, but what truly set her apart was the mystery surrounding her.

Credit: Yash Raj Films)

It's a woman caught between her own emotions and societal conventions. But the woman chose to follow her heart and set an example. That's how Chandni became a symbol of empowerment for millions of women across the world.

Chandni in 'Chandni' - Sridevi

Released in 1989, 'Chandni' brought an end to the years-long dry spell in Chopra's career, and went on to be hailed as one of his finest works. The film also rejuvenated the romantic musical genre in Bollywood and consolidated Sridevi's position as the top female star of the era.

Credit: Film History Pics

Sridevi in and as 'Chandni' seemed straight out of a fairytale. She (in her white costume) radiated enormous youthful charm and became an embodiment of grace, simplicity, and warmth. And the character, with all her emotions and complexities, continues to inspire and how!

Credit: Yash Raj Films

Upon the release of 'Chandni', Sridevi topped the Hindustan Times' list of Yash Chopra's "Top 5 Heroines".

Pooja in 'Dil Toh Pagal Hai' - Madhuri Dixit

Pooja in 'Dil Toh Pagal Hai', portrayed gracefully by Madhuri Dixit, was literally the girl in everyone's dream. A character that lives in a world of music and dance and believes in destined love, Pooja was elegant, while her innocence and simplicity made her even more attractive. And Dixit's performance perfectly brought out the "modern girl with traditional values" in her.

Credit: YRF

What particularly worked so well in Pooja's characterization was his graceful dance sequences. Whether it's "Are Re Are", "Bholi Si Surat", or "Dil To Pagal Hai", she nailed it in every frame, and how! The costume design, on the other hand, played an important role here as well.

The list obviously doesn't end here. Besides them, it also includes Pooja in 'Kabhi Kabhie' (Raakhee Gulzar), Kiran in 'Darr' (Juhi Chawla), and Pooja in 'Lamhe' (Sridevi).