Some real-life tragedies are so gripping that they continue to haunt generations. One such heartbreaking story is that of Zubeida Begum, a fearless and talented Indian actress whose life ended in a mysterious plane crash—a death that continues to spark curiosity and sorrow even decades later.

Zubeida Begum was born into a conservative middle-class Muslim family in Mumbai. Her father, Qasim Bhai Mehta, a businessman, strongly disapproved of her acting ambitions. Her mother, Faiza Bai, was a singer and had links to the film world, through whom Zubeida was introduced to cinema.

Despite strict opposition from her father—who once stormed film sets to stop her shoots—Zubeida pursued acting, starting off with chorus roles in the 1940s. Her determination to act even in the face of family backlash made her stand out as one of the boldest actresses of her era.

Zubeida was married young but unhappy in her first marriage. She continued to act, which led to tension with her husband. Eventually, the couple divorced, and she raised their son—Khalid Mohamed, who would later become a journalist and filmmaker.

Her life took a dramatic turn when she met Maharaja Hanwant Singh Rathore of Jodhpur at a wedding. Despite being a divorced Muslim mother and Hanwant Singh already being married to Krishna Kumari with three children, love blossomed between the two. Zubeida converted to Hinduism in 1959 and married Hanwant Singh, defying both religious and societal norms.

On January 26, 1952, Hanwant Singh was campaigning for elections, having recently formed a political party. Though he was reluctant, Zubeida insisted on flying with him that morning. The king, known for his love of flying, took off with her in a private plane. Tragically, the plane crashed in Godwar, Rajasthan, killing both instantly.

Even today, questions remain:

• Was it purely an accident?

• Or was it part of a conspiracy tied to Hanwant Singh’s royal and political standing?

Rumors swirled around the crash, and legends emerged—some even involving a wandering spirit in the Jodhpur palace.

In 2001, acclaimed filmmaker Shyam Benegal turned this emotional saga into the National Award-winning film "Zubeidaa".

• Karisma Kapoor played the title role, delivering one of her finest performances.

• Manoj Bajpayee portrayed Maharaja Hanwant Singh with gravitas.

• Rekha played his first wife, Krishna Kumari.

The screenplay was penned by Khalid Mohamed, Zubeida’s real-life son, adding a deeply personal and truthful layer to the storytelling.

Zubeida's life was one of defiance, love, passion, and tragedy. From breaking norms in pre-independence India to becoming part of royalty, and finally, meeting a shocking end in a crash that still raises questions—her story resonates even today.

Shyam Benegal’s Zubeidaa ensured that her tale is remembered not just as a tragic end, but as a celebration of a woman's fierce spirit who dared to live on her own terms in a world determined to hold her back.