Karisma Kapoor, Shyam Benegal look back as 'Zubeidaa' turns 20

Karisma Kapoor took to her Instagram handle to share some memories of critically acclaimed film Zubeidaa that turned 20 on Tuesday. Zubeidaa, an inter-faith love story between an actor and a Rajasthani king, reflects a period of transition in India — from a feudal society to a democratic one.

"#zubeidaa a lifetime of cherished memories," wrote Karisma. In an interview with PTI, Shyam Benegal said that Zubeidaa did t earn money at time of its release twenty years ago but movie holds a special place his heart.

Recalling how cast of film came toger, Benegal said he had worked with Rekha on Kalyug and knew that she was an "extremely capable actor" while Karishma's name was suggested by Mohamed. “She is a quintessential actress. re is much more to her than you saw of her. He has always been keen to take on challenges as an actor. Karisma is a natural actor,” he said.

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Benegal said story of Zubeidaa Begum caught his attention when he read Khalid Mohamed's article in a newspaper and he thought it was a beautiful love story. Mohamed, Zubeida Begum's son from her first marri, was initially hesitant as he was t sure about telling his mor's story on big screen but things eventually fell into place with Karisma Kapoor playing title character, Maj Bajpayee as prince and Rekha as his first wife in 2001 release.

"ne of m really earned money. I don’t think anyone did film for money. But film did win National award," Benegal told PTI in an interview on film's 20th anniversary on Tuesday. "... I don’t think film did well financially. We were happy with way it all happened. I don’t think Farouq Rattonsey (producer) was happy, he was hoping he will make a little money," director said about film, which explores romance between Zubeida Begum, an aspiring actor and Jodhpur Maharaja Hanwant Singh.

couple died in a private aircraft crash that Singh was flying on January 26, 1952, to celebrate his impending victory in India''s first election.

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(With PTI inputs)