Bajirao Mastani 2015

In the early 18th century, the Maratha Empire’s Court of Satara welcomed a new Peshwa, an esteemed position equivalent to modern-day prime minister. Chhatrapati Shahu (Mahesh Manjrekar), ruler of the realm, entrusted this pivotal role to a young Bajirao (Ranveer Singh) after his predecessor, Ambaji Pant (Milind Soman), chose him over self-nominated contender Shripad Rao (Aditya Pancholi). To assess Bajirao’s spiritual wisdom and martial prowess, Shripad presented him with a challenge: splitting a peacock feather with an arrow. Success earned him the title of Shrimant Peshwa.

Ten years passed, and Bajirao’s wife, Kashibai (Priyanka Chopra), was visited by her widowed friend, Bhanu (Snehlata Girish Vasaikar). The latter lamented her husband’s untimely demise, accused of spying on the Peshwa. Her words were laced with foreboding, predicting that Kashi too would eventually yearn for Bajirao.

While journeying to Sironja, an emissary from Bundelkhand infiltrated Bajirao’s tent, demanding his assistance in repelling invaders. This enigmatic warrior revealed herself as Mastani (Deepika Padukone), daughter of the Rajput King Chhatrasal (Benjamin Gilani) and his Persian queen, Ruhani Bai. Impressed by her valiant spirit, Bajirao joined forces with her to vanquish the invaders. Chhatrasal’s joy knew no bounds, and he invited Bajirao to celebrate Holi with them. Amidst this festive atmosphere, Mastani and Bajirao developed a deep connection.

As a symbol of their bond, Bajirao gifted Mastani his dagger, an ancient tradition among the Bundelkhand Rajputs signifying marriage. He soon departed for Pune, where Kashi welcomed him with a tour of their newly constructed Shaniwar Wada and the Aaina Mahal (hall of mirrors), allowing her to gaze upon him from the comfort of her own room.

Mastani’s determination to be with Bajirao drove her to follow him to Pune. However, his mother, Radhabai (Tanvi Azmi), treated her with disdain, relegating her to the palace’s quarters for courtesans. Mastani tolerated this affront and appeared before Bajirao on the occasion of Parava, a festive celebration. Undeterred by Radhabai’s scornful offer to occupy the role of royal dancer, Mastani journeyed to Chhatrasal’s court, expressing her ardent desire to be with Bajirao. Before departing, she made her way to an ancient ruin across the river, awaiting his return.

Bajirao, braving a tempestuous storm, crossed the river and reprimanded Mastani for her persistence, reminding her that he was already married and that his court would never respect her if she were by his side. Though warned, Mastani agreed to remain with him, ultimately accepting his declaration of their union as second wife.

Here is a rephrased version of the section:

As Bajirao (actor name) returns victorious from his encounter with the Nizam of Deccan (Raza Murad), he finds solace in embracing Mastani, who shares in his triumph. Meanwhile, a pregnant Kashi bears witness to this momentary bliss and departs for her mother’s abode. Months later, she returns with her newborn son, Raghunath, whose arrival is met with jubilation. In a poignant twist, Mastani too gives birth to a son, whom the couple names Krishna Rao, only to have their joy tempered by the refusal of the Brahmin priest Krishnaji Bhatt to perform the NaamKaran ceremony, rendering him illegitimate. It is amidst this turmoil that Kashi’s eldest son Balaji Baji Rao (alias Nana Saheb, played by Ayush Tandon) returns from Satara, his hatred towards Mastani palpable and bitter.

The seeds of treachery are sown when Kashibai learns of a sinister plot to eliminate Mastani and her son during a festival. Reluctantly, she informs Bajirao of the danger, which prompts him to spring into action, rescuing them from certain doom. In the aftermath, Shiva Bhatt’s murder at the hands of Krishnaji Bhatt sets off a chain reaction of events that ultimately leads to Mastani Mahal being built for her safety and royal abode.

As Radhabai’s treachery unfolds, Bajirao is left reeling from the revelation. Despite his love for Mastani, he recognizes that his primary allegiance lies with his cause, and so he sets off to confront Nasir, the vengeful son of the Nizam. The news of Mastani’s imprisonment by Radhabai and Balaji Baji Rao finds him already weakened by injury after his solitary victory over Nasir.

Kashi’s pleas to release Mastani fall on deaf ears as Balaji Baji Rao burns the letter and refuses to relent. As Bajirao lies delirious, succumbing to the trauma of his hallucinations, Mastani too meets her demise in captivity. In a poignant coda, the two star-crossed lovers are shown to be reunited in death, their bond transcending even mortality itself.