Meet the actress whose father stopped shooting with a gun, who starred opposite Geeta Bali, and inspired the film “Zubaida”; But her life ended in a plane crash
Zubaida Begum’s story continues to interest film fans decades after her death. Remembered as an actress whose life straddled the worlds of films and royalty, her extraordinary journey later inspired Shyam Benegal’s 2001 blockbuster film Zubeida.
The film was written by her son, journalist Khaled Muhammad, and introduced a new generation to a life full of ambition, love, heartbreak, and tragedy. Starring Karisma Kapoor in the lead role, alongside Rekha, Manoj Bajpayee and Surekha Sikri, Zubaida remains one of the most popular biographical dramas in Indian cinema.
The life that inspired a famous movie
Zubaida Begum enjoyed recognition as an actress in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Her eventful personal life eventually became the inspiration behind herZubaida, along with her son Khaled Mohammed, turned family history into a widely appreciated screenplay.
The film explores the emotional complexities of a woman caught between personal aspirations, relationships, and royal responsibilities.
Early career faced family resistance
Despite belonging to a prosperous and influential Muslim family, Zubaida’s decision to pursue acting was met with strong resistance at home. It is said that her father, businessman Kasim Bhai Mehta, was against her foray into films from the beginning.According to widely reported accounts including the Bombay Chronicle, she was cast opposite Geeta Bali in the film ‘Usha Kiran’. However, the project never reached completion.
Reports claim her father arrived at the shooting location carrying a gun, causing production to shut down. Soon after, her marriage to the son of a family acquaintance was arranged.The marriage resulted in the birth of her son, Khaled Muhammad. But the relationship eventually ended in divorce.
Marriage to royalty ended in tragedy
Zubaida later married Maharaja Hanwant Singh of Jodhpur. Their married life ended on January 26, 1952.
The couple died in a plane crash near Sommerpur in Rajasthan. While the incident was officially treated as an accident, speculation surrounding the tragedy continued for decades.After the death of his parents, their son, known as Toto, was raised under the care of the Rajmata of Jodhpur. He later studied at Mayo College in 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 April 17, 1981, Toto was found beheaded on the streets of Jodhpur.Beyond documented history, Zubaida’s story has also become part of local folklore. For decades, stories have circulated claiming that her spirit still resides around Umaid Bhawan Palace and a nearby school linked to the royal family.According to these ancient legends, some rooms inside the building remain closed because they are believed to be connected to its spirit. However, these claims have never been verified and remain part of local legend rather than an established historical fact.