Zubeida Begum: Meet the actress whose father stopped the shoot with a gun, starring opposite Geeta Bali, inspired by ‘Zubeidaa’; but his life ended in a plane crash Hindi Movie News
Zubeida Begum’s story continues to intrigue film lovers decades after her death. Remembered as an actress whose life bridged the world of cinema and royalty, her extraordinary journey later inspired Shyam Benegal’s acclaimed 2001 film ‘Zubeidaa’. Written by his son, journalist Khalid Mohammed, the film introduced a new generation to a life of ambition, love, heartbreak and tragedy. Starring Karisma Kapoor in the lead role alongside Rekha, Manoj Bajpayee and Surekha Sikri, Zubeidaa remains one of the Indian cinemathe most celebrated biographical dramas.
Life that inspired an acclaimed film
Zubeida Begum enjoyed recognition as an actress in the late 1940s and early 1950s. His eventful personal life eventually became the inspiration behind it‘Zubeidaa’, with his son Khalid Mohammed transforming the family story into a much-appreciated screenplay. The film explored the emotional complexities of a woman caught between personal aspirations, relationships and royal responsibilities.
The beginnings of the career were faced with family resistance
Despite belonging to a prosperous and influential Muslim family, Zubeida’s decision to pursue acting was met with strong resistance at home. Her father, businessman Qasim Bhai Mehta, is said to have opposed her entry into films from the start.According to widely reported accounts, including the Bombay Chronicle, she had once been elected before Geeta Bali in the movie ‘Usha Kiran’. However, the project never reached completion. Reports claim that her father arrived on the set with a gun, which halted the production. Soon after, her marriage was arranged with the son of a family acquaintance.The marriage resulted in the birth of their son, Khalid Mohammed. The relationship, however, ended in divorce.
The marriage to royalty ended in tragedy
Zubeida later married Maharaja Hanwant Singh of Jodhpur. Their married life was interrupted on January 26, 1952. The couple died in a plane crash near Sumerpur in Rajasthan. Although the incident was officially treated as an accident, speculation about the tragedy has continued for decades.After the death of his parents, his son, popularly known as Tutu, was brought up under the care of the Rajmata of Jodhpur. He later studied at Mayo College, Ajmer and eventually married Rao Rani Rajeshwari Kumari of the Alwar royal family. The couple had two children.
Another heartbreaking chapter
The family’s misfortunes continued years later. On 17 April 1981, Tutu was found decapitated on the streets of Jodhpur.Beyond documented history, Zubeida’s story has also become part of local folklore. For decades, stories have circulated claiming that his spirit still lingers around the Umaid Bhawan Palace and a nearby school associated with the royal family.According to these long-standing legends, certain rooms in the facility remain locked because they are believed to be connected to his spirit. However, these claims have never been verified and remain part of local myth rather than established historical fact.
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