Sardari Begum

Sardari Begum is a 1996 Indian film directed by Shyam Benegal, and is a part of his trilogy on Indian women, along with Mammo and Zubeidaa. The movie stars Kirron Kher in the titular role of Sardari Begum, Amrish Puri as Janardan, and Smriti Mishra as Sakina.

The movie is set in the early 1900s and revolves around the life of Sardari Begum, a singer and courtesan, who is invited to Lahore to perform at a concert. But when she arrives, she finds out that the concert has already been cancelled due to the death of the person who had invited her, a wealthy businessman named Janardan. As she tries to return to her hometown in Allahabad, Sardari Begum becomes embroiled in a murder mystery that leads her into the lives of several other characters in Lahore.

Sardari Begum's character is the heart and soul of the movie. She is a strong and independent woman who has faced a lot of struggles in her life, including a failed marriage and societal stigma against being a courtesan. She exudes grace and power in her performances, and her singing is a reflection of her emotions and experiences. Her character is also empathetic and compassionate towards others, as seen in her interactions with a young couple who are in love but are facing opposition due to their different religions.

Janardan, played by Amrish Puri, is a wealthy businessman who is obsessed with Sardari Begum. Despite being married, he is enamoured with her and constantly tries to woo her. However, his character also has a darker side as he is involved in illegal activities and has a strained relationship with his son.

Smriti Mishra plays Sakina, the daughter of Janardan's business partner. She is a young woman who has had a difficult life, including a broken engagement and the death of her mother. She initially appears to be a minor character but plays a pivotal role in the plot.

The movie also features several other characters, each with their own story that intertwines with Sardari Begum's. For example, there is a young policeman who is investigating the murder, a Muslim boy who is in love with a Hindu girl, and a rich widow who is intrigued by Sardari Begum's lifestyle.

The movie's plot is well-crafted and keeps the audience engaged till the end. There is a good mix of drama, suspense, and romance, and the movie's themes of gender, class, and religion are still relevant today. The movie also has a great soundtrack, featuring classic ghazals and qawwalis.

Overall, Sardari Begum is a must-watch for anyone who loves thoughtful cinema. Kirron Kher delivers an outstanding performance as the titular character, and the movie's exploration of complex themes through its diverse characters makes it a timeless classic.