8 iconic characters that Sanjay Leela Bhansali glorified through his movies

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is one of the most revered storytellers who has the craft of depicting nuanced and beautifully woven tales on a magnificent scale. He has been instrumental in immortalizing characters through his movies which remain iconic and etched in the minds of the audience forever. So today, on the occasion of his birthday, we bring about eight characters glorified by Bhansali who stole our hearts with their earnest performances.

Alauddin Khilji

Bhansali's latest screen outing 'Padmaavat' showed Ranveer Singh in a complete negative avatar. His menacing portrayal of the ruthless ruler Alauddin Khilji earned the loudest cheers. Such was his role's impact that people actually loved to hate him in the movie.

Bajirao

Bhansali's historical drama 'Bajirao Mastani' depicted Ranveer Singh in the role of a Marathi Peshwa ruler and he nailed it completely. Right from the accent to the emotional sequences, Ranveer aka Bajirao is immortalised in our hearts forever.

Kashibai

SLB's 'Bajirao Mastani' may have been more about the tragic love story of Bajirao Ranveer Singh and Mastani Deepika Padukone, but Priyanka Chopra's Kashibai left everyone in awe. Her honest portrayal brought tears in our eyes and we actually rooted more for her than Mastani. So today too, when the name of the movie rings a bell, Kashibai's character prominently stands out.

Michelle

Who would have managed to depict a saddening tale of a blind and deaf girl? Yet Bhansali managed to convey the story of a woman born blind and deaf very earnestly in 'Black'. Rani Mukerji in the character of Michelle was a delight. She provided colour to her black character and her performance left the audience teary eyed.

Debraj Sahai

When we talk of Rani Mukerji's Michelle in 'Black', her mentor in the movie Debraj Sahai portrayed efficiently by Amitabh Bachchan can't be missed out. He was the one to complete the impossible task of breathing life in Michelle's character. His character takes an emotional turn when he gets detected with Alzheimer's and life takes a U turn as Michelle turns his mentor in his old age. We can rightly say that his portrayal of the perfect mentor is an example to all the mentors out there.

Ethan

Who had imagined Hrithik Roshan to slip easily in to the role of a magician who unfortunately becomes a quadriplegic? However, Bhansali meaningfully depicted his character of Ethan whose life comes crashing due to a spinal injury. Hrithik has essayed every minute emotion with utmost honestly winning us over.

Nandini

'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' became like a major turning point for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as her portrayal of Nandini won praises. A beautiful young woman with a melodious voice and graceful dance moves, Nandini falls in love with an Italy-return guy much against the bemusement of her family. However, her character undergoes varied emotions after a forced marriage with Ajay Devgn and finally she epitomises the belief that love is sacrifice.

Joseph

Who had imagined Hrithik Roshan to slip easily in to the role of a magician who unfortunately becomes a quadriplegic? However, Bhansali meaningfully depicted his character of Ethan whose life comes crashing due to a spinal injury. Hrithik has essayed every minute emotion with utmost honestly winning us over.