Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam at 25: Aishwarya Rai’s Nandini’s Agency Remains a Source of Debate

Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 1999 musical masterpiece, has resonated with audiences for a quarter century. However, with time, the film’s portrayal of Aishwarya Rai’s Nandini has come under scrutiny, particularly her agency in the narrative.

While the film celebrates love, music, and the beauty of Gujarati culture, Nandini’s character is often criticized for her passive role. She falls deeply in love with Sameer (Salman Khan) but ultimately chooses to stay with her husband, Vanraj (Ajay Devgn). Some argue that her decision is driven by societal pressure and a lack of personal agency, rather than genuine love for Vanraj.

Nandini’s journey showcases a woman who is consistently influenced by the men in her life. From her father’s arranged marriage to her passionate love for Sameer and her eventual decision to stay with Vanraj, she appears to lack the power to make her own choices. This has led to discussions about whether Bhansali infantilized her character, portraying her as someone who is simply following the dictates of the men in her life.

The debate around Nandini’s character highlights the importance of examining female characters in films through a critical lens. While Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam is a beautiful film with captivating performances, it’s crucial to acknowledge the complexities of Nandini’s narrative and the potential for greater agency in her portrayal.

Keywords: Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Aishwarya Rai, Nandini, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, female characters, agency, passive role, arranged marriage, love, music, Gujarati culture, film analysis, critical lens, debate.