Razia Sultan - Marvellous!

Monday to Friday at 7.30pm only on &TV

Produced By: Swastik Production

Cast: Pankhuri Awasthy, Seema Kapoor, Sooraj Thapar, Sambhavna Seth, Rohit Purohit, Ankit Arora, Bhavana Chauhan

Story so far: The show is about First woman Sultaan' of Delhi Sultanate- "Razia Sultaan". Altamash (Sooraj Thapar), the Sultaan of Delhi cares for his people and wishes to serve them to the best of his abilities. Though the people love their kind King, Shamshad Begum (Seema Kapoor), Iltutmish's mother-in-law and late Qutub-ud-din Aibak's widow has grudge against him, since he killed her son. She goes to her daughter Qutub and inquires about her plans to celebrate 'Eid'. Altamash and Qutub's elder daughter Shazia walks in with a silk gown for her father for which she receives praises from both, her mother and grand-mother. When Shamshad Begum questions about Razia's whereabouts, no one can give the answer. While everyone is searching for her, Razia is busy collecting exclusive gifts for her beloved father. Instead of opting for regular gems and costumes, Razia collects bunch of hair from a live tiger, a single leaf from a tree perched on the tip of a rocky mountain and a Kauri' from her father's older days.

At Nizamuddin's place, she meets his slave Fatima. Old Nizamuddin confides in Razia that soon he is going to set Fatima free. Excited Razia when enters the place, is confronted by Shamshad Begum who asks her, how she dared to step out of the royal palace. Razia decides to clarify her point but Shamshaad asks her to keep silent. Hearing commotion outside Razia steps out to find out the cause, when she witnessed Fatima being dragged by the soldiers to bury her along with her dead master Nizamuddin. Unable to bare the sight, Razia rushes back to her dad Altamash and tells him to set Fatima free. She tells her father that it is his responsibility to save an innocent soul, but he declines saying that his duty as a King is much bigger than being her father. Upset by Razia's behavior, Shamshad locks her in a room and tells her that she would not be allowed to celebrate Eid, too.

Razia pleads with her grandmother not to lock her up and adds that she needs to save Fatima. The King meanwhile announces that the first 4 people who will announce the sighting of Eid Ka Chaand' will get their wish fulfilled by him. Hearing this, Razia decides to take her chance to free Fatima. With much difficulty Razia manages to be the last and the fourth person to announce the sighting of Eid Ka Chaand', but the ministers and Qazi's refuses to agree since she is a woman. Razia gets frustrated by the entire thing going around her and asks the ministers that why her statement is being ignored. Razia's mother and Shamshad Begum are upset with her outspoken behavior, but Razia stays firm.

The Qazis decide that Sultaan Altamash must apologize in front of the entire city in order to compensate for Razia's mistakes. But Altamash takes his daughter's side. He explains to the people, Razia has broken an age long tradition of announcing the end of the Holi month of 'Ramzaan', which is normally done by the Qazis. He also insists that he is very much ready to apologize if they think that his daughter Razia committed a crime. He expresses his woe, on the way the women are treated in his kingdom. The city agrees to Altamash and supports him. Altamash further announces the formation of new reforms in order to make men and women equal in his kingdom. Razia watches the scene unfolding in front of her eyes with happy twinkle in the eyes.

What works: For the first time we get the insight into the life of the much talked about queen in Indian history- Razia Sultaan. The subject itself offers the novelty to the show. Pankhuri Awasthy, justifies her selection as the lead role. Mind-blowing massive sets and glittering costumes makes the Mughal era alive on small screen. Razia's encounter with the tiger was done aesthetically. Seema Kapoor is back with a bang and makes a dominating presence as Shamshad Begum'. Sooraj Thapar as Sultaan Altamash is convincing. Small incidents helps understanding Razia's nature- be it her tremendous love for father, compassion for fellow human beings and belief in herself.

What doesn't work: The show is perfectly made and hence does not have flaws as such.

Our take: This show highlights the other aspects Razia's personality- as a daughter, sister and a friend, besides being the Sultaan'. Certain incidents might be fictionalized for TV audience but they don't look out of place. Pankhuri Awasthy defines both feminine and masculine side of Razia's personality. The language is easy to understand. Carrying the heavy costumes, accessories at the same time deliver dialogues in heavy Urdu language is not an easy job, but all the actors has managed to score full marks in it. If you are in awe of the first and last women ruler of Delhi Sultanate, watch the show to get your fact right.