Lipstick Under My Burkha

In a quaint neighborhood of Bhopal, 55-year-old Usha Parmar begins her journey of introspection through the reading of *Lipstick Dreams*. This book reflects her own bittersweet experiences, marked by nostalgia and the intertwining lives of her neighbors.

Rehana Abidi, an ambitious college freshman, leads a double life. While helping her family by sewing burkhas, she secretly pursues her passion for music, dreaming of becoming a vibrant singer in the style of her idol, Miley Cyrus.

Leela, a passionate beautician, dreams of expanding her business internationally while also nurturing her hidden love for Arshad, a photo studio owner. Her ambition to achieve success in the competitive wedding market reflects her entrepreneurial spirit.

Shirin Aslam, trapped in her domestic life, juggles being a housewife and a door-to-door saleswoman. Her need for reproductive health control puts her in a precarious situation as she navigates the controlling nature of her husband, Rahim.

As Rehana pursues her passion for music, she catches the attention of Dhruv, a drummer in a local band, but faces rejection from Namrata, the lead singer. Despite these setbacks, she boldly expresses her views on women’s empowerment during a protest.

Invited to an extravagant weekend party by Namrata, Rehana's excitement leads her to steal a dream outfit for the event. This impulsive act highlights her desire to fit into a world that remains largely out of reach for her.

Usha decides to assist in arranging Leela's marriage to Manoj at the behest of her financially-challenged mother. This decision catalyzes a series of significant life changes for the women, interweaving their destinies.

A sudden blackout during Leela's wedding preparations creates an intimate atmosphere for an unexpected encounter with Arshad. Their moment of passion is secretly recorded, threatening the reputation of both Leela and Usha.

Usha, maintaining her conservative facade, juggles a secret life as a nude model for art students. This revelation about her contrasting life sets the stage for deeper explorations of identity and societal expectations.

Usha's swimming lessons introduce her to Jaspal, her instructor, who unknowingly becomes part of her dual identity. While they share flirty banter, Usha also connects with him through her alter ego, 'Rosy,' in a cheeky phone sex scenario.

Facing a daunting health diagnosis, Shirin is forced to confront her reproductive choices while dealing with Rahim's refusal to change his oppressive ways. This situation amplifies her struggles and lack of autonomy.

At a protest against the jeans ban, Rehana's fierce commitment to women's rights leads to her arrest. Her activism showcases the generational clash of values and the complexity of her role within the community and family.

With the Diwali festival approaching, Usha nervously invites Jaspal to join the celebrations, marking a pivotal moment in their relationship. Festivities also bring forth tensions as Leela kisses Manoj to provoke Arshad.

Leela’s engagement with Manoj unravels when he discovers her past with Arshad, leading to drama-filled confrontations. The chaotic fallout during the festival exposes the fragility of relationships among the women.

In the wake of their struggles, Usha finds strength and solidarity with Rehana, Leela, and Shirin. Together, they confront societal expectations, creating a bond that symbolizes their resilience in the face of adversity.