It has been fifteen years since ‘Love Aaj Kal’ hit theatres and instantly won a place in people’s hearts. Pivotal to the success and popularity of this film was Deepika Padukone as Meera Pandit, which, even today, stays way ahead of times yet relevant and inspiring to women.

When the female protagonists in Bollywood films were pictured as a distressed damsel or an object of male desire, Meera Pandit stood apart. She wasn’t one of these stereotypical love interests but a strong career woman with a strong background. The idea of choosing a career over a love life clicked with many women who were going through the same dilemma.

Fresco painting was a line of work as unique as unconventional for Meera. It wasn’t some plot point; it spoke volumes about her independent identity. It was the career woman who goes after the passion with dedication and makes sacrifices to fulfill all dreams.

‘Love Aaj Kal’ captured that point in time when love was at a mere speed-dial, and relationships were changing with technology. Meera’s attitude towards life and love refreshed one’s memory. For she was the woman who treated the maze called modern relationships with grace and practicality—traits Deepika did bring alive in her own sweet way. She defied society and its expectations that women were emotional but could be practical too.

What still makes Meera relevant today is her relatability. She was not a perfect character, she had flaws, and she committed mistakes, but learned through them and grew up from it. Deepika Padukone as Meera Pandit in ‘Love Aaj Kal’ has left a legacy of empowerment. She remained the torchbearer for more strong and nuanced female characters which would follow in Bollywood.

Deepika’s Meera resonated with people, and 15 years down the line, she is still a lovable character. Her story told people that it is okay to love oneself and your ambitions, and love and career do not have to be an either-or.