'The director who loves his heroines': Yash Chopra and his favourite leading women

Yash Chopra, the quintessential Bollywood romantic, had a penchant for creating iconic female characters who were not just beautiful but also strong, independent, and aspirational. His films celebrated the spirit of womanhood through his leading ladies, who often embodied the aspirations of millions.

Updated On: 2024-09-27 12:11 PM IST

Compiled by : Tuhina Upadhyay

Pic Courtesy/IMDB, Google

Sridevi
Undoubtedly Yash Chopra's muse, Sridevi’s role in Chandni shows her as a strong and determined woman who confidently goes after her own version of love and happiness. 

Sridevi
In Lamhe, Sridevi plays two bold characters who weren’t afraid to express their desires, at a time when women in films were mostly shown as objects of desire. Even though her looks weren't the main focus, Yash Chopra made sure Sridevi looked as stunning as ever.

Madhuri Dixit and Karishma Kapoor
In Dil Toh Pagal Hai, the women break away from the usual damsel-in-distress role, portraying a characters who are confident and ambitious. They fearlessly challenge traditional norms throughout the story.

Madhuri Dixit
Dance, music, and love—Yash Chopra blended them all seamlessly against the backdrop of sets and picturesque locales. Madhuri Dixit's salwars reflected the essence of the film – a celebration of life and love.

Katrina Kaif
In Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Yash Chopra made sure to make Katrina look divine. Her dressing sense reflected a woman torn between her past and present love stories. Her performance, combined with the movie's emotional music, gives viewers an unforgettable experience.

Neetu Singh
The actress's performance in Kabhi Kabhie redefines female characters by showcasing their complexity and challenging societal expectations. And, Yash Chopra made sure she looked the part as well!

Rekha and Jaya Bachchan
In the classic Yash Chopra film Silsila, there’s a battle of wills between two talented actresses, Jaya Bachchan and Rekha. The visionary director made sure the leading women reflected the sorrow, and confusion they felt. 

Rakhee 
In Kaala Patthar, Rakhee stands out with her striking eyes and graceful presence. Dressed in elegant sarees, her look adds to the classic charm of her character.

Rakhee 
In the Yash Chopra film Joshila, the glamorous Rakhee looks confused about something that’s bothering her. Her stunning presence adds a really beautiful layer to the story.

Preity Zinta
In Veer-Zaara, Preity Zinta plays Zaara, a strong and compassionate woman torn between love and duty. Her traditional outfits, especially the elegant salwar suits and sarees, reflects her grace.

Juhi Chawla
In Yash Chopra's Darr, Juhi Chawla delivers a very expressive performance, capturing the fear and emotions of her character. Her wardrobe in the film features simple yet stylish outfits.

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