Padmavati: A complete checklist on how to become the next Sanjay Leela Bhansali heroine

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is all set to return to the big screen with another period war-drama in the form of the Shahid Kapoor-Deepika Padukone-Ranveer Singh starrer Padmavati and it has us all waiting with bated breath.

The trailer of Bhansali's magnum opus (yes, another one) was released yesterday, and it’s safe to say that one character that stood out amidst the violence laden visuals was the exquisite Deepika Padukone in the skin of Rani Padmani. Seeing her in elaborate royal ensembles, looking ethereal in heavy jewelry and displaying the highest degree of grace left us enamoured. Continuing on the same train of thought, we got thinking about the rest of Bhansali’s heroines and found several similarities between them. We couldn’t help but put together a list — a guide to what it takes to be an SLB heroine, if you may. So bear with us as we remember (with pristine clarity), the characteristics of a Bhansali actress. The guide to becoming a Bhansali Babe Olympic level runner  [caption id=“attachment_4129403” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Youtube screen grab of Aishwarya Rai in Devdas.[/caption] If you hope to star in a Bhansali epic even once in your life, you must be an Olympic level runner. If your 100m sprint timing is anything over 10 seconds, you can kiss your SLB dreams goodbye. Good at holding your breath [caption id=“attachment_4129411” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Deepika Padukone in Ram Leela, Priyanka Chopra in Ram Leela, Madhuri Dixit in Devdas. Images from Facebook.[/caption] Are you good at holding your breath underwater? If the answer to that is no, then you may as well turn around right now, because if you’re hoping to be at the nucleus of a Sanjay Leela Bhansali magnum opus/epic/opulent saga then you better be able to take in a deeeep breath, and hold. Those sexy choli’s won’t fit themselves you know? Long, lustrous hair [caption id=“attachment_4129419” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Aishwarya Rai in Devdas, Deepika Padukone in Ram Leela. Images from Twitter.[/caption] Another category on the SLB Heroines checklist is the requirement to have a lustrous, never-ending mane. Because God forbid there’s a scene where the male lead needs to run his fingers through your hair. Or your hand-maidens need to purify your locks with incense. A short bob just will not do. Should be able to couple dance with another actress [caption id=“attachment_4129409” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Dola Re Dola-Pinga. Images from Twitter.[/caption] This one right here is non-negotiable. Want to be one of Bhansali’s Babes? You better know how to shake a leg, in perfect tandem with another pair of legs. Because a female lead is always incomplete without her saheli / a perfectly syncronised dance-off with her nemesis. Look stunning (Even if someone has died. Especially if someone has died) [caption id=“attachment_4129407” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Aishwarya Rai in Devdas, Deepika Padukone in Bajirao Mastani, Priyanka Chopra in Bajirao Mastani. Images from Twitter.[/caption] You kind of, sort of, have to look flawless— every second of every minute of every day. Even if you are in a gruesome amount of pain. In the middle of a battle? Look pretty. Not allowed to be with the love of your life? Look pretty while tears roll down your face. Someone died? Definitely look pretty. Good vocal chords (to fulfill shrieking quota) [caption id=“attachment_4129405” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Youtube screen grab of Deepika Padukone in Ram Leela.[/caption] Pitch and Range ka naam toh suna hi hoga tumne? The first rule of being a Bhansali Heroine is to always, always, have your vocal chords exercised and raring to go. You never know which scene from an SLB saga might require you to scream your lungs out. Because like they say — it’s better to be safe than sorry. Heavy weight lifter  [caption id=“attachment_4129413” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Deepika Padukone in Padmavati, Aishwarya Rai in Devdas. Images from Facebook.[/caption] Last but not the least, you must be able to bench press at least a 100 kgs because how else will you be able to stand straight in this? So here it is, the ultimate guide to being a Sanjay Leela Bhansali heroine. We promise you, if you have these steps down pat, nothing and no one can get in your way to being the next female lead of a Bhansali Blockbuster. Except maybe Deepika Padukone.