Zubeidaa Full Movies 720p
Laquanda Gede
Shyam Benegal's drama film Zubeidaa was released on January 19, 2001. The film starred Karisma Kapoor, Rekha, Manoj Bajpayee, Amrish Puri, Farida Jalal, and Shakti Kapoor among others. It was written by film critic Khalid Mohamed and was based on the life of his mother and actress Zubeida Begum, who married Hanwant Singh of Jodhpur.
Upon release, the film met with mostly positive critical response with particular praise towards Kapoor's performance. As the film clocks 23 years of its theatrical release, let us take a closer look at its actors and what they are up to these days.
Rekha plays the role of Maharani Mandira Devi, who is the first wife of Maharaja Vijayendra Singh of Fatehpur. Things go tricky once Zubeidaa marries him and enters the house. Rekha's performance was well received. She was already an established actress with a decades-long career when the film came out. After Zubeidaa's release, she did films like Bhoot, Mujhe Meri Biwi Se Bachao, Koi Mil Gaya, Krrish, Lajja, Dil Hai Tumhara, etc. Her last full-fledged role was in the 2014 film Super Nani.
Manoj Bajpayee plays the role of Maharaja Vijayendra Singh who marries Zubeidaa while he is already married to Maharani Mandira Devi and has two children. Bajpayee gives a performance of his career by playing a character that has different shades. Before that, he had already delivered iconic films like Satya, Shool, and Kaun. Zubeidaa's success gave him a boost and he was seen in Aks, Road, Pinjar, LOC: Kargil, and Veer-Zaara. Over the years, Manoj established himself as a successful and acclaimed actor in Bollywood with several projects under his name in both the celluloid and streaming world.
Rajit Kapur plays the role of Riyaz Masud who is a key character in the film as he finds out about Zubeidaa's feelings while living in the palace post-marriage. Kapur gives an earnest performance in the film and is an anchor to the story. It marked his fifth collaboration with Shyam Benegal. He was already an established name in television and films before doing this film. After this, he continues to be active in the industry and has appeared in many successful films across genres.
Apart from these, Zubeidaa has several actors who have since passed away. This includes Surekha Sikri (who played Fayyazi) and Amrish Puri ( who plays Zubeidaa's father Suleiman Seth). The film also has several interesting characters played by a set of talented actors. Rahul Singh beautifully portrays Raja Digvijay "Uday" Singh who makes Zubeidaa's life difficult. Seema Pahwa plays Zainab Bi, while Farida Jalal plays Mammo (a callback to her earlier film with Benegal also called Mammo).
Apart from them the film also has other characters including Shakti Kapoor (Dance Master Hiralal), Lillete Dubey (Rose Davenport), Ravi Jhankal (Girivar Singh), Smriti Mishra (Sardari Begum) and SM Zaheer (Sajid Masud). All these actors are still active in the industry in the capacity of actors. Seema Pahwa also went on to direct a feature film later on.
Zubeidaa is a film that a lot of people might not like at first viewing. But just like many Shyam Benegal movies, it grows on you over time. The simple plot explores human conditions in various conditions. The film does not have any iota of presence at any level as everything from the direction, lighting, and camerawork to performance is on the right note. It gives us a sneak peek into the lives of the royalties during the modern era and how everything is not hunky-dory behind the big pillars and well-lit palaces.
Shyam Benegal is one of the finest filmmakers in India as his films often focus on the human aspect of any story whether Ankur, Nishant, or Manthan. Zubeidaa is another fine example of his mastery as a storyteller. The film is also personal as it's based on the real-life story of Zubeida Begum. Her son and film critic Khalid Mohammed has penned the film so we know some details are obviously personal. Watch Zubeidaa if you haven't already.
With over two years of experience in entertainment journalism, Yash Singh is a film geek who lives and breathes cinema. He did his bachelors in filmmaking and has since never looked back. He is an avid consumer of films and shows. In his free time, you will see him binging on true crime documentaries and fiction-nonfiction books.
From the elaborate costumes, to the glamorous hair and makeup, these movies have style elements which are beautifully elegant yet understated. So, here we take a look at Hindi movies which highlight that Maharani-style glamour, and take cues from them.
In Zubeidaa, we saw Karisma Kapoor in what is best described as classic, vintage style, owing to the fact that it is set in the 1950s. From the shades of shiny red lipstick, to the coiffed mane featuring 50s victory rolls, 20s finger waves, and French chignons, her makeup and hair looks were very European.
Since the colonial hangover was fresh at the time, all things Western were considered superior quality, and Western style elements were considered more fashionable. Owning materials like Chantilly lace were something people aspired to do, and Karisma can be seen wearing outfits made of such fabrics in this film. Even the jewellery was not very Indian-looking.
Not only that, she wears a lot of jewellery in her hair, which we are guessing was a privilege only reserved for royals. So, despite the makeup being simple, it was the opulence of her hair accessories which conveyed the regal aspect of the look.
We see her in a neat blowout featuring wavy ends, a classic bar eyeliner, and an understated pinky-nude lipstick. Instead of screaming for attention with loud colours, this beauty look is all about polished grace. Adding to the modern aspect of the look, the jewellery is minimal compared to what royals once wore, and usually consists of a string of pearls or emeralds.