He believed that it was his duty to present women beautifully on the screen.
When Yash Chopra made films, it was every leading actress’s dream to be cast
as his heroine. In many ways, that was the ultimate badge of stardom. And those who got that chance often found themselves reaching new heights of success. The reason was simple, though. Chopra had an unmatched admiration for women, and he knew exactly how to bring out their beauty (and strength) on screen. While we talk mostly about those flowing chiffon sarees against picturesque backdrops, his heroines were layered characters who shattered stereotypes. It was through them that the late filmmaker celebrated love, vulnerability, and charm in a way that made generations of audiences fall in love.
As we celebrate Yash Chopra's birth anniversary, let's recall the dreamy heroines from his films.
Chandni in Silsila - Rekha
The journey of Yash Chopra’s heroines has to begin with Chandni from Silsila (1981), brought to life with sheer brilliance by Rekha. The film, also starring Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, is remembered for its delicate exploration of love and longing (along with betrayal), but it was Rekha’s Chandni who stole the show effortlessly. Beyond her stunning beauty, it was the aura of enigma that made her unforgettable. Chandni was a woman torn between her own desires and the weight of societal expectations, yet she dared to follow her heart. That choice turned her into a symbol of courage and empowerment, resonating with women across generations who saw in her the strength to prioritize their own happiness.
Passion 💯 #YRF50 | #YashChopra | #AmitabhBachchan | #Rekha | #Silsila pic.twitter.com/lbRydqfOiJ
— Yash Raj Films (@yrf) December 14, 2020
(Credit: Yash Raj Films)
Chandni in Chandni - Sridevi
When Chandni released in 1989, it not only revived Yash Chopra’s career after a lean phase but also redefined the language of romance in Hindi cinema. The film reignited the musical romance genre and established Sridevi’s stature as Bollywood’s reigning superstar. And Sridevi, in her role as Chandni, looked like she had stepped straight out of a dream. Draped in flowing white costumes, she radiated innocence and grace, while embodying both simplicity and emotional depth. Her portrayal made Chandni the very essence of Chopra’s idea of timeless love. Without an iota of doubt, the character still inspires actresses and audiences alike, proving why she was hailed as the ultimate “Yash Chopra heroine.” Upon its release, Chandni even topped the Hindustan Times’ list of Yash Chopra’s “Top 5 Heroines”.
(1989) Sridevi and Yash Chopra, on the sets of ‘Chandni’ pic.twitter.com/9LWoujxz9w
— Film History Pics (@FilmHistoryPic) August 21, 2019
(Credit: Film History Pics)
Pooja in Dil To Pagal Hai - Madhuri Dixit
Fast forward to the late ’90s, and Chopra introduced audiences to yet another unforgettable heroine, Pooja from Dil To Pagal Hai (1997). Played by Madhuri Dixit with unmatched elegance, Pooja was the girl who seemed to live in everyone’s dreams. A dancer who believed deeply in destined love, she reflected the perfect balance of tradition and modernity. Madhuri’s innocence and vivacity made Pooja not only aspirational but also relatable to audiences who saw in her a reflection of their own longing for love. And what elevated her character further were the graceful dance numbers (“Are Re Are,” “Bholi Si Surat,” and, of course, the title track “Dil To Pagal Hai”) where Dixit’s effortless movements and expressive eyes captured the very spirit of Chopra’s romantic universe. Costume design, too, played a key role, with elegant outfits shaping her as a fashion icon for the decade.
(Credit: YRF)
Of course, the legacy of Chopra’s heroines doesn’t end here. His films also gave us other memorable women, like Pooja in Kabhi Kabhie (Raakhee Gulzar), Kiran in Darr (Juhi Chawla), and Pooja in Lamhe (Sridevi), each embodying different shades of vulnerability and strength.
