Zubeida Begum’s story continues to intrigue cinema lovers decades after her death. Remembered as an artist whose life bridged the worlds of films and royalty, his extraordinary journey later inspired Shyam Benegal’s acclaimed 2001 film ‘Zubeidaa’. Written by his son, journalist Khalid Mohammed, the film introduces a new generation to a life full of ambition, love, sadness, and tragedy. Starring Karisma Kapoor in the lead role, alongside Rekha, Manoj Bajpayee, and Surekha Sikri, Zubeidaa remains one of the Indian cinema:The most famous biographical dramas.
Life that inspired an acclaimed film
Zubeida Begum enjoyed recognition as an artist in the late 1940s and early 1950s. His personal life eventually became an inspiration‘Zubeidaa’, with his son Khalid Mohammed turning the family history into an acclaimed screenplay. The film explores the emotional complexities of a woman caught between personal desires, relationships, and royal responsibilities.
Early career faced family opposition
Despite belonging to a prosperous and influential Muslim family, Zubeida’s decision to pursue acting reportedly met with strong resistance at home. His father, businessman Qasim Bhai Mehta, was said to be against his entry into films from the beginning.According to widely reported accounts including the Bombay Chronicle, he was once denied Geeta Bali in the film ‘Usha Kiran’. However, the project was not completed. Reports say that his father arrived at the shooting location with a pistol, which halted the production. Shortly after that, her marriage was arranged with the daughter of a family acquaintance.The marriage resulted in the birth of her son, Khalid Mohammed. The relationship, however, eventually ended in divorce.
The marriage to royalty ended in tragedy
Zubeida later married Maharaja Hanwant Singh of Jodhpur. Their marriage was dissolved on January 26, 1952. The couple died in a plane crash near Sumerpur in Rajasthan. While the incident was officially considered an accident, speculation surrounding the tragedy continued for decades.After the death of his parents, their son, known as Tutu, was brought up under the care of Rajmata in Jodhpur. He later studied at Mayo College in Ajmer and later married Rao Rani Rajeshwari Kumari of the royal family of Alwar. The couple has two children.
Another depressing chapter
The family’s misfortunes continued years later. On April 17, 1981, Tutu was reportedly found beheaded on the streets of Jodhpur.Apart from documented history, Zubeida’s story has also become part of local folklore. For decades, stories circulated claiming that his spirit still lingered in the Umaid Bhawan Palace and a nearby school associated with the royal family.According to these long-standing legends, some rooms inside the place remain locked because they are believed to be connected to his spirit. However, these claims have not been verified and remain part of local myths rather than established historical facts.