Shyam Benegal's 2001 picture Zubeidaa, with its compelling story, had a lasting impression on both spectators and the box office. Journalist Khalid Mohamed's true tale about his mother, Zubeida Begum, served as the basis for the movie, which starred Karishma Kapoor, Rekha, Manoj Bajpayee, and Surekha Sikri. This cinematic masterpiece was inspired by her life, which was full with glitz, tragedy, and unsolved mysteries.On January 26, 1952, Begum, a well-known actress from the 1950s, and her husband, Maharaja Hanwant Singh of Jodhpur, perished in a plane crash. Although a tragic accident was given as the official cause of their deaths, conspiracy theories have persisted, which has added intrigue to the tale.Even today, the events surrounding their deaths at Umaid Bhawan Palace remain unresolved, sparking curiosity and speculation.

Early Life and Acting Career

Zubeida Begum was born into a wealthy Muslim family, with her father, Qasembhai Mehta, being a businessman and her mother, Faiza Bai, a singer. Growing up in an artistic environment, Zubeida was drawn to the performing arts, excelling in dance and singing. Her aspirations to become an actress were met with resistance from her father, who strongly disapproved of her career. Reports suggest that Zubeida was cast in the film Usha Kiran alongside actress Geeta Bali, but the film was never released. Her father reportedly intervened, arriving on the set with a pistol to stop the production. He later arranged her marriage to a family friend’s son, with whom she had her first child, Khalid Mohamed. After their divorce, she married Maharaja Hanwant Singh, leading to a complicated and controversial chapter in her life.

Tragic End

Zubeida’s entry into the royal family was fraught with challenges, as she was reportedly never fully accepted. Her tragic death in the 1952 plane crash left a lasting mark, but the misfortunes didn’t end there. Her son with Hanwant Singh, Rao Raja Hukum Singh, known as Tutu, faced a brutal fate. He was murdered and found beheaded on the streets of Jodhpur, with over 20 injuries on his body.