6 Memorable Characters in Abhishek Chaubey's Films

Over the course of his career, the director has created some of the most original characters in recent Hindi cinema

1. Khaalujaan from Ishqiya

From Chaubey's debut film, Ishqiya comes Khalujaan (Naseeruddin Shah) -- duplicitous in his ways but a child at heart. His sweet swooning in "Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji" will always win us over.

2. Tommy Singh from Udta Punjab

The coke-loving, raucous Tommy Singh (Shahid Kapoor) truly comes into his own when he realises the responsibility his influence brings. It's what makes us root for his bond with Mary Jane (Alia Bhatt) even more.

3. Krishna from Ishqiya

Ishqiya opens with the lazing, singing figure of Krishna (Vidya Balan). She is both chaste and carnal, delicate and dangerous -- the duality that she will go on to embody for the rest of the film.

4. Begum Para and Muniya from Dedh Ishqiya

Chaubey's second ode to female power after Ishqiya, Dedh Ishqiya, features the terrific duo of Begum Para (Madhuri Dixit) and Muniya (Huma Qureshi). To the outside world, they're nothing but a queen and her helper but Chaubey sneaks in a massive hint about how they may be much more.

5. Mary Jane from Udta Punjab

Unspeakable horrors occur in Mary Jane's life but she claws her way to better times. Chaubey gives her (and the film) a happy ending, with her walking on the beach, towards the sun.

6. Lakhna from Sonchiriya

Haunted, broken and shameful. Lakhna (Sushant Singh Rajput) is one of the first ones among his rebel brothers to feel the weight of his cause. But that doesn't stop him from conjuring magic tricks to make a sick child laugh.