The story begins after Sardari Begum is killed during a riot. A newspaper reporter is assigned to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death. As the investigation progresses, she becomes interested in Sardari's remarkable life as a singer and performer.
The film then moves between different periods of Sardari's life, showing her relationships, her musical career and her determination to live according to her own choices. Her unconventional lifestyle creates tension with her family and the conservative social environment around her. Kirron Kher portrays Sardari Begum, while Smriti Mishra plays her younger version.
The film was particularly praised for recreating an earlier cultural era and portraying an artist's dedication to music while challenging orthodox and conservative social values. At the 44th National Film Awards, it received the award for Best Feature Film in Urdu.
Director: Shyam Benegal
Producers: Amit Khanna, Mahesh Bhatt
Writer: Khalid Mohamed
Music: Vanraj Bhatia
Main Cast: Kirron Kher, Amrish Puri, Rajeshwari Sachdev, Smriti Mishra, Rajit Kapur, Surekha Sikri.
Genre: Drama, Musical
Language: Hindi/Urdu