The Belle, Zubaida Begum- A Biography

The Belle, Zubaida Begum:

A Cinematic Icon and Mentor to Legends

(A Biography from the well renowned column

‘Kabhi Kabhi’ in Sandesh by

Senior Journalist Reverend Mr Devendra Patel)

(English version by Pallavi Gupta)

       In contrast to the widespread recognition of actresses like Deepika Padukone, Kangana Ranaut, Priyanka Chopra, and Kareena Kapoor, the name Zubeida may be entirely new to the current generation.

        Zubaida Begum Dhanrajgir, a celestial enchantress of the silver screen, graced the world in 1911. She etched her name in history as the ethereal heroine of India's inaugural talkie film, "Alam Ara," her luminous presence captivating hearts across the nation. Beyond her resplendent career as an actress, Zubaida was a princess of noble lineage, hailing from the regal city of Surat in Gujarat. She was the cherished daughter of Sidi Ibrahim Muhammad Ri Yakut Khan, the illustrious Nawab of Sachin, and the beloved consort of Fatima Begum. Zubaida's radiant spirit was further enhanced by the presence of her two sisters, Sultana and Shahzadi, forming a constellation of beauty and grace.

        Zubaida Begum, a vision of ethereal beauty, inherited her artistic flair from her mother, a luminary of the silent film era. Despite her royal lineage as a princess of a distinguished Nawabi family, Zubaida, like her mother, was drawn to the enchanting world of cinema. In an era when acting was not considered befitting of noblewomen, Zubaida's decision to follow in her mother's footsteps was truly audacious. Her father, the esteemed Nawab of Sachin, initially forbade his daughters from pursuing acting careers. However, the allure of the silver screen proved irresistible, and when the legendary Prithviraj Kapoor and the visionary director Ardeshir Irani interceded, the Nawab relented, granting his daughters permission to embark on their cinematic journeys.

      Zubeida Begum, a mere child of twelve, made her cinematic debut in the silent era with 'Kohinoor.' Her sisters, drawn to the allure of the silver screen, soon followed in her footsteps. Together, they dominated the silent film industry until 1920. By 1925, Zubeida had graced the screen in nine films, each leaving an indelible mark. Her performances in classics such as 'Devdas,' 'Desh Ka Dushman,' and 'Kala Chor' were so captivating that they remained etched in the memories of audiences for generations. The sisters frequently shared the screen, with their film 'Kalyan Ajinah' garnering international acclaim at the Wembley Exhibition. Zubeida's talent was further evidenced in Baburao Mistri's 'Sinhgad'.

During this era, Fatima Begum and her daughters reigned supreme over the Indian film industry. In 1927, Fatima herself ventured into production, crafting cinematic gems such as 'Bulbul,' 'Laila Majnu,' 'Nanand Bhojai,' and the thought-provoking 'Balidan.' These films not only showcased her artistic vision but also solidified her position as a pioneering force in Indian cinema.

       A cinematic masterpiece, 'Balidaan' garnered international acclaim when it premiered in Europe. The Cinematograph Committee Association lauded the film, which was based on the poignant tale of animal sacrifices at a Bengali religious site, originally penned by the literary luminary Rabindranath Tagore. Championed by the European members of the Indian Film Board, 'Balidaan' captivated audiences with its powerful narrative. The film's luminous star, Zubeida Begum, shared the screen with the talented actors Master Vithal and Jal Khambata.

        Zubeida Begum, the undisputed queen of the silver screen, etched her name in cinematic history with the release of 'Alam Ara'. This groundbreaking talkie film, which premiered on March 14, 1931, at Mumbai's Majestic Cinema, marked a watershed moment in Indian cinema. As the first Indian actress to lend her voice to a film, Zubeida's performance was nothing short of electrifying. The film's phenomenal success catapulted her to stardom and made her the most sought-after actress of her time, commanding the highest remuneration in the industry. Prior to 'Alam Ara', Zubeida had already established herself as a leading lady in silent films, proving her versatility and adaptability to the evolving world of cinema.

The 1930s were Zubeida Begum's golden era, a period marked by her unparalleled success in the film industry. Yet, her stardom came at a price, as she found herself at the centre of numerous scandals and controversies. Rumors about her personal life, particularly her relationships with directors, swirled around her, but Zubeida refused to be silenced. With unwavering determination, she continued to grace the silver screen, proving that her talent was unmatched.

         Zubeida Begum's star continued to shine brightly in the 1930s with her memorable performances in films like 'Shubhada,' 'Uttara,' and 'Draupadi.' Her success was further solidified by the box office triumphs of 'Mahalaxmi,' 'Gul-e-Sonbahar,' and 'Rasik-e-Layla' in 1934. However, behind the scenes, Zubeida was battling her own personal demons. The relentless negative publicity surrounding her relationships with directors forced her to make difficult choices, relinquishing several film projects that could have further elevated her career. Despite these challenges, Zubeida remained a formidable presence in the industry.

        Zubeida Begum's illustrious career came to a close in 1950 with her final film, 'Nirdosh Abla'. The film's heart-wrenching portrayal of a woman facing life's trials mirrored her own personal struggles. While numerous opportunities came her way post 'Nirdosh Abla', she chose to gracefully retire from the film industry.

        After retiring from the silver screen, Zubeida Begum married Gian Bahadur, a scion of the Hyderabad royal family. The couple was blessed with a son, Humayun Dhanrajgir. Their grandchildren include Nikhil Dhanrajgir, Ashok Dhanrajgir, Riya Pillay, and Karen Nina. After her marriage, Zubeida spent the rest of her life peacefully at the Dhanraj Mahal palace in Mumbai, mentoring future stars like Suraiya, Meena Kumari, Madhubala, Nargis, and Waheeda Rehman. She passed away in Mumbai in 1988.

         Zubeida served as an inspiration for many legendary actresses of her era. Although she may be a forgotten figure for the younger generation, her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who appreciate the golden age of Indian cinema.