Zubeida would be difficult to classify into categories like historical movie, a romance or an award winning reel (real) story. Whatever slot it might gain the only impact Zubeida has earned amongst avid film lovers is that it's a fantastic film, worth the dime. This reaction shouldn't be a wonder if you look at the impressive people who have called the shots.

Based on some real life incidents of the royal family of Rajasthan of the post independence era, the film centres around Zubeida a dancer and singer of exceptional beauty and grace who is wooed and wed by the Rajah of Fathehpur as his second wife. The film is a narrative of sorts and is an effort by Zubeida's first son to find more about his mother and her real emotions which turns out to be quite contrary to those mouthed by others. At this juncture one is remained of Script Writer Khalid Mohammed's biographical elements in the film. Khalid was the first son of Zubeida before she was wooed and married by Maharaja Hanumant Singh of Jodhpur in the fifties. Both the Maharaja and Zubeida, the second princess, were killed in a plane crash.

Karishma Kapoor on her part has played the role of Zubeida with such élan and zeal, befitting an award. Shyam Benegal in an interview had this to say on the criteria he had in mind while casting Zubeida, " I was looking for a person who was vivacious, young and with lots of energy-someone who is absolutely stunning, with the ability to draw attention to her presence..... Our Karishma seemed absolutely right for the part and she has given a brilliant performance-absolutely first class".

But how did Manoj fit the role of the so called Rajah of Fatehpur. The veteran film maker par excellence, Shyam Benegalji was on the look out for someone who emitted "certain quiet confidence" and a person who had a "clean cut look that needn't have to be very good looking- someone with clear eyes which looked right at you". In Shyam's own words "Manoj was perfect, he had the expected clear diction" and was also "slim, athletic and fit to be a polo player".

Then there's of course Rekha whose poise and conduct is befitting of the role of the mature and wise Maharani who accepts her Rajah's second wife in the true spirit of a Rajput Queen.

Shyam Benegal had added yet another feather to his cap with Zubeida and is expected to gather a lot of awards. What excited, our celebrity director was the excitement of recreating a whole period-the early 50's with all its characteristic depictions. Cinematographer, Rajan Kothari has also left his imprint in some of outdoor desert frames and deserves kudos

The current heart throb of music buffs, the man with the magical musical wand, A.R. Rahman has chipped in with some lilting background scores and melodious songs. Lataji's "So Gaya Hain" and "Pyaara Sa Gaon" leaves a lasting tune for your lips to hum every now and then. Alka Yagnik's "Mehendi Hai Rachenewali" has a visual effect on the listener. The other numbers featuring Kavita Krishnamurthy, Sukhwinder Singh, Richa Sharma and Udit Narayan too are equally good. Javed Aktar is at his usual best with his fabulous lyrics.