A Timeless Reflection on Zubeidaa: Veteran Indian actress Lillete Dubey recently looked back with warmth and nostalgia at one of the most memorable milestones of her career as the film Zubeidaa completed twenty-five years since its release. The film, which marked her debut in cinema, continues to hold a special place in her heart, largely because of its artistic depth, emotional storytelling, and the extraordinary people involved in its creation. Even after decades, the film remains relevant for audiences who appreciate meaningful cinema rooted in human emotions and complex characters.
Lillete Dubey portrayed the character of Aunty Rose in Zubeidaa, a role she has often described as one of her personal favourites. As the anniversary milestone arrived, she shared her memories through a heartfelt social media post, recalling how deeply she enjoyed every moment of working on the project. For her, the character was not just another role but an experience that shaped her early journey in films. The warmth, humor, and subtle emotional layers of Aunty Rose allowed her to explore a unique space as an actor.
A major reason why Zubeidaa left such a lasting impression on Lillete Dubey was the opportunity to work with legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal. She expressed immense gratitude for being directed by someone whose vision, sensitivity, and understanding of human relationships elevated every scene. According to her reflections, Benegal’s calm approach on set and his ability to extract authentic performances made the entire filmmaking process joyful and creatively fulfilling.
The film brought together an exceptional ensemble cast, making it a rich collaborative experience. Lillete fondly recalled sharing screen space with stalwarts such as Amrish Puri, whose powerful presence added depth to the narrative, along with actors like Karisma Kapoor, Rekha, Manoj Bajpayee, Surekha Sikri, Rajit Kapoor, Farida Jalal, and Shakti Kapoor. The diversity of talent ensured that every character, no matter how small, felt real and impactful.
One of the most enduring elements of Zubeidaa is its soulful music, composed by Oscar-winning maestro A. R. Rahman. Lillete Dubey praised the haunting soundtrack, which continues to evoke emotion even today. Complementing the music were the striking visuals that captured the era, emotions, and inner turmoil of the characters with remarkable sensitivity. The cinematography by Rajan Kothari added a poetic visual language to the story, making the film aesthetically memorable.
Zubeidaa stands out for its compelling narrative, which is based on real-life events. Written by Khalid Mohamed, the film is inspired by the life of actress Zubeida Begum, who married Hanwant Singh of Jodhpur. The story explores themes of love, ambition, sacrifice, and societal constraints, making it deeply human and relatable. As the concluding part of a thematic trilogy following Mammo and Sardari Begum, the film carried forward a legacy of intimate storytelling.
Backed by FKR Productions, Zubeidaa received critical acclaim upon release and went on to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. Released on 19 January 2001, the film showcased strong technical craftsmanship, with Aseem Sinha leading the editing department. Over the years, it has grown in stature, often revisited by cinema lovers who admire thoughtful narratives over spectacle-driven storytelling.
Even after twenty-five years, Zubeidaa continues to resonate because of its emotional honesty and artistic integrity. Lillete Dubey’s reflections serve as a reminder of a time when storytelling, character development, and music came together seamlessly. For viewers who have not yet experienced it, the film remains a timeless piece of cinema worth discovering, while for those who have, it offers a nostalgic return to a magical world crafted with care and conviction.
