In pics: Pyaar Ke Side Effects to Four More Shots Please: Iconic female characters in films and web shows
From Pyaar Ke Side Effects to Four More Shots Please!, Pritish Nandy Communications (PNC) has consistently carved a unique space in Indian cinema by crafting female characters who are emotionally layered, bold, and unapologetically real. Across nearly two decades, the studio has championed stories where women aren’t relegated to the sidelines—they lead the narrative.
Chameli Kareena Kapoor’s career took a pivotal turn with Chameli, which also redefined how sex workers were portrayed on screen. Chameli wasn’t reduced to the cliched, sorrowful trope of the 'prostitute with a tragic past'. Instead, she was shown as street-smart, emotionally intelligent, and empathetic.
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Geeta Rao in Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi Chitrangada Singh’s Geeta was the emotional core of this political drama. Educated, passionate, and torn between love and revolutionary ideals, Geeta embodied internal conflict. Her struggle between doing what’s ‘right’ and following her heart marked one of PNC’s earliest and most powerful explorations of complex womanhood.
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Trisha in Pyaar Ke Side Effects Mallika Sherawat’s Trisha was a trailblazer—a career-focused woman who wanted marriage but only on her own terms. She challenged societal notions that ambitious women shy away from commitment. Trisha navigated love with clarity and confidence, making a statement about independence and emotional agency in relationships.
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Damini, Anjana, Umang, and Siddhi in Four More Shots Please! The quartet in Four More Shots Please! brought a dynamic spectrum of womanhood to the screen. Damini (Sayani Gupta), a fierce journalist, confronts stigma around ambition and mental health while owning her flaws. Anjana (Kirti Kulhari), a single mother and lawyer, challenges the notion of perfection in a post-marriage identity. Umang (Bani J), a queer fitness coach, embraces her vulnerability and strength to defy societal conventions. And Siddhi (Maanvi Gagroo), a plus-size stand-up comic, battles body shaming and self-doubt to discover her inner power. Together, they offer a deeply relatable and modern portrayal of flawed, evolving womanhood.
Antara in Shabd Aishwarya Rai’s Antara is another example of PNC’s commitment to portraying emotionally rich female characters. Antara is not the typical romantic partner; she is a woman grappling with existential questions and the weight of love. Her internal struggle adds depth and poignancy to the narrative, echoing PNC’s signature style of layered storytelling.
