Female characters who inspire me to build the life I want

They say films are a reflection of society. I partly agree. Films also embody aspiration—the idea that no dream is too big or that you should live life how you want. For me, films have been a constant source of inspiration and comfort. I’ve aspired to be like the characters I’ve watched on screen and romanticised my life in every way I can. These women taught me about my body, love, ambition, and home. I look up to them during the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. And of all the Lailas, Aishas and Nainas of the world, these are my favourites.

Here’s to the many female characters who will be my forever muses. 

Aisha Bannerjee, Wake Up Sid 

Strong, sensitive, and fiercely independent are only a few words I would use to describe Aisha from Wake Up Sid. Her dreams and aspirations are centred on making a life of her own, as simple and small as it may be. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have understood how intensely I felt the need to be independent. If it wasn’t for her, I would never have fallen in love with the Maximum City. I continue to be inspired by her grit, determination, and passion—whether it was how she walked into the editor’s office adamant about getting the job or setting up her house. Aisha is the ceaseless reminder of long walks, late nights, old Hindi music, and the hidden old-school romantic to pursue my dreams. 

Naina Talwar, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

Naina is my source of inspiration and my comfort. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is my go-to film on my happiest and saddest days. When she absconded from her home with a handwritten note to her mother, it taught me to push myself out of my comfort zone (Pulling a Naina Talwar is still on my bucket list). She taught me that loving someone means letting go, that familiarity is comfortable and warm, and that there’s nothing wrong with wanting that. I aspire to be this perfectly imperfect amalgamation of sensitive, warm, respectful, passionate, adventurous, and loving. 

Laila, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara 

Remember when Laila said, “Seize the day my friend, pehle iss din ko puri tarah se jiyo, phir chaalis ke baare mein sochna..?” That line has been pinned on my wall for years now, hoping against hope that I can achieve the live-in-the-moment kind of life, without postponing the simple pleasures of today. Laila makes it look effortless to work a job and take a few months off to scuba dive in a remote corner of the Earth. She does what she believes in and reaffirms faith in chasing passion over anything else. She’s the one I’ve turned to when I’ve been overwhelmed by fear or felt like I was out of inspiration. 

Jaqueline Carlyle, The Bold Type

 
“To having adventures. To making mistakes and making amends. To sleeping with the wrong people and the right people. To unleashing holy hell.” She’s the editor-in-chief of Scarlet magazine. She’s a leader and so much more than just that. There is so much to learn from her—how she mentors and empathises with people, her decision-making skills, her belief that women deserve equality, and more. Jaqueline is the leader I will aspire to be. My workplace difficulties come to an end with one of her speeches and leave me motivated, smiling, and looking (ever) forward. 

Lorelai Gilmore, Gilmore Girls 

Lorelai Gilmore—a teenage mother who fought against all odds to raise her daughter the way she wanted to. She couldn’t care enough to listen to those around her, for she was determined to do all on her own. I admire her for her nonchalant ways and can only hope to be as charming in conversation or flawless in dealing with any and every challenge that comes my way. Lorelai and Rory (her daughter) have a relationship that is rooted in mutual admiration, love, and respect. They know how to have a good time despite everything that comes their way.