Iconic Female Characters from Yash Chopra Films

Team FC

Chandni - Silsila (1981) 

Yash Chopra created a true iconic character of Chandni that was played by Rekha. Despite not receiving great feedback at the box office, this film pushed the envelope by depicting a strong female character and the complexity of passion, jealousy and morals. 

Chandni - Chandni (1989) 

Played by Sridevi, the role of Chandani Mathur was one for the books. After a rough patch during the 80s, Yash Chopra came back strong with this film, establishing his hallmark style of ambitious and dramatised narratives.

Pallavi/Pooja - Lamhe (1991) 

In this brave narrative that explores unconventional love, Sridevi plays the role of Pallavi and Pooja, mother and daughter who never knew each other but look exactly alike. This film portrays the female characters with a lot of complexity and assertiveness with their desires. 

Pooja - Dil To Pagal Hai (1997) 

In this romance musical, Madhuri Dixit plays the role of Pooja in the film, who is the muse for a theatre play that is essential to the plot. Pooja’s role represents a passionate artist and a young woman who learns to embrace true love.

Zara from Veer - Zara (2004) 

In this epic romantic drama directed by Yash Chopra, Preeti Zinta plays the role of Zara, the daughter of a Pakistani politician who falls in love with Shahrukh Khan, an Indian Air Force officer. Zara’s character represents how strong and persevering a woman’s love is. 

Akira - Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012) 

This film is a story of eternal love between Samar and Meera who are apart from each other. Anushka Sharma has the role of Akira in the story, a filmmaker who reunites them.