Sardari Begum

The film begins with the police investigating the death of Sardari Begum, a renowned singer, who was killed by a stone thrown during a riot. The riot's religious and political tensions drew media attention, highlighting her tragic demise amidst social unrest.

Tehzeeb Abbasi, a young reporter, covers her aunt Sardari Begum's funeral and recognizes her father among the mourners. Her curiosity about Sardari’s life drives her to investigate further, setting the story into motion.

The film shifts to a flashback revealing Sardari’s rebellious pursuit of her passion for singing, which her father Jabbar disapproved of. She refused to accept money from her brother Jabbar, considering it a gift for her daughter and her own independence.

Jabbar narrates how Sardari turned rebellious to become a singer, despite his objections. Their relationship grows strained, culminating in Jabbar leaving her home forever, swearing never to return.

Sardari runs away from her home in Agra after her family disapproves of her singing. She seeks shelter at Ittan Bai's court but is turned away, leading her to Hemraj's house where she is welcomed and supported to continue her singing career.

Fascinated by Sardari's talent, Sadiq Moosvi supports her and convinces her to move to Delhi to pursue a singing career. They marry privately and Sardari rises to fame as a celebrated thumri singer, eventually giving birth to her daughter Sakeena.

Over the years, Sardari's interest in singing wanes and Sadiq misuses her earnings. Their marriage suffers, leading Sardari to throw Sadiq out after an argument caused by his exploitation and unfaithfulness.

Sardari turns away Mr. Sen’s marriage proposal, choosing her passion for music and her daughter over personal happiness. Her fame declines as she stops recording or performing publicly, resorting to arranging marriages to support her household.

Tehzeeb approaches Sardari's daughter Sakeena for an interview, but she refuses. Sakeena shares her perspective, revealing Sardari's strict and limiting upbringing for her daughter and her own disillusionment with her mother’s sacrifices.

Sakeena criticizes her mother Sardari, describing her as an arrogant and selfish woman who prioritized her singing career over her daughter’s ambitions and happiness. Their strained relationship leads Sakeena to stop talking to her mother and cease her singing.

While practicing her singing, Sardari hears a commotion, goes outside, and is struck by a stone from the mob. On her deathbed, she asks Sakeena if she was a good mother, and upon her daughter's affirmation, Sardari dies peacefully.

Inspired by Sardari’s story, Tehzeeb writes a heartfelt article to honor her aunt's legacy. She also breaks ties with her own troubled relationship, reunites with her father, and vows to preserve her aunt's memory.

The film concludes with Sakeena practicing singing, symbolizing the continuation of Sardari Begum’s musical legacy. This signifies hope that her talent and passion for music will transcend generations.