Bahu Begum

Bahu Begum

Year: 1967

Runtime: 167 mins

Language: Hindi

Director: M. Sadiq

ComedyDramaRomance

On the day of her marriage, the bride goes missing. She ends up in a brothel, compelling her wealthy husband to pretend that all is well to keep the family’s honor intact.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Bahu Begum (1967)

Trace every key event in Bahu Begum (1967) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Nawab Mirza Sultan and Zeenat maintain a façade of wealth

Nawab Mirza Sultan, a widower, lives with his daughter Zeenat in an old Lucknow mansion and they pretend to be wealthy. They rent out part of the mansion to keep up appearances while Zeenat longs for luxuries their purse cannot provide. The fragile balance of their household sets the stage for later deception.

Early in the story Lucknow, Nawab Mirza Sultan's old mansion
2

Zeenat visits a jewelry shop and attracts a rich suitor

Zeenat visits a local jewelry shop to try on jewels, pretending she might buy them. She cannot afford the expensive pieces, which catches the eye of Nawab Sikandar Mirza. He notices her and starts to take an interest that will intertwine their fates.

Daytime, early in the plot Lucknow jewelry shop
3

Secret Friday meetings at the Sufi shrine

Zeenat and Yusuf grow close as they meet at a nearby Sufi shrine every Friday. Yusuf loves Zeenat in return, forging a forbidden bond that challenges family duties. Their secret visits contrast with Zeenat's longing for a secure future.

Friday Sufi shrine near Lucknow
4

Uncle's scheming fixes a marriage to Sikandar Mirza

Yusuf's maternal uncle quietly arranges Zeenat's marriage to Sikandar Mirza, masking the truth with cunning. Zeenat grows up believing the match is with Yusuf, unaware of the conspiracy. The plan relies on Zeenat's consent being bypassed while others pretend everything is normal.

Before the wedding Lucknow social circles; Sikandar Mirza’s circle
5

The wedding day: bride absent and doli empty

On the wedding day, Zeenat is dressed as the bride and goes to the shrine hoping to meet Yusuf, but he is away. She faints when he doesn't appear. The wedding proceeds with the doli arriving empty, as Sikandar and Suraiya pretend the bride is ill.

Wedding day The shrine and Sikandar Mirza's haveli
6

Zeenat returns home to a furious father

Zeenat wakes up past midnight at the shrine and returns home, where her father, disgraced, orders her to leave. She then goes to Yusuf's house seeking shelter, only to be told that Yusuf does not love her and has moved to Allahabad. The night deepens her sense of isolation as she confronts an uncertain future.

Midnight Lucknow, Zeenat's home; Yusuf's house in Lucknow/Allahabad
7

Zeenat seeks shelter at the in-laws, then to the dargah

She arrives at the in-laws' house but cannot speak freely with her husband, who remains angry and distant. Devastated, she runs to a nearby dargah, trips, and faints in front of a horse-drawn carriage. A courtesan, Nazeeran Bai, rescues her and takes her to safety.

Late night In-laws' house; nearby dargah
8

Respite turns to danger in a kotha

At Nazeeran Bai's home, Zeenat's misfortune leads her toward the world of a kotha, or brothel. Nazeeran Bai shelters her and helps her navigate the perilous path she has fallen into. The episode marks a drastic turn in Zeenat's life as she loses control of her fate.

Late night Nazeeran Bai's residence and the kotha
9

Zeenat reaches Sikandar Mirza's residence as temporary wife

Destiny shifts when Zeenat is brought to Sikandar Mirza's residence to function as a temporary wife to facilitate Suraiya's marriage. Her arrival is greeted with relief by Sikandar and Suraiya's family, who hope to preserve the household's honor. Zeenat accepts her role while denying a true, binding marriage in law.

Unspecified Sikandar Mirza's residence
10

Zeenat asserts lack of consent but stays for honor

Zeenat explains that she was not present at the Nikah and did not consent, hence is not legally bound as his wife. Nevertheless, she pledges to remain Bahu Begum to protect Sikandar's honor and the family's reputation. Sikandar accepts this arrangement, prioritizing honor over personal happiness.

After Nikah Sikandar Mirza's mansion
11

Suraiya is married off under Zeenat's watch

Suraiya is married off under Zeenat's stewardship as the Bahu Begum, highlighting Zeenat's growing influence in the household. The arrangement maintains social proprieties while binding Zeenat to the house. Suraiya's marriage completes a delicate balance of power within the family.

Shortly after Zeenat's declaration Sikandar Mirza's mansion
12

Yusuf returns and confronts Zeenat

Yusuf returns and discovers that Zeenat has become part of Sikandar's household. He approaches Zeenat at Sikandar Mirza's mansion and pleads with her, but she tells him to forget her for the sake of Sikandar's honour. The moment tests their love and loyalty.

After Yusuf's return Sikandar Mirza's mansion
13

Sikandar overhears and the mansion is set ablaze

Sikandar overhears their conversation and, in a bid to unite the lovers and protect their happiness, sets the mansion on fire. He dies in the blaze and makes it look as if Zeenat perished as well. His final act shifts the course of Zeenat and Yusuf's lives.

Climax Sikandar Mirza's mansion
14

A secret union: Zeenat and Yusuf live together

In the aftermath of the fire, Zeenat and Yusuf are free to be together away from public scrutiny. The story ends with the lovers united, their bond kept hidden from those who would condemn them. The conclusion emphasizes loyalty, honour, and clandestine love.

After the fire Somewhere safe away from the public eye

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:04

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