Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Indian epic Bajirao Mastani was released on December 18, 2015. Starring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Priyanka Chopra, the film narrates the story of Maratha Peshwa Bajirao I and his second wife, Mastani. Bajirao Mastani was adapted from Nagnath S. Inamdar’s Marathi novel, Rau. It is a tale of love, politics, and drama set against the backdrop of 18th-century India.
After its release, Bajirao Mastani garnered widespread acclaim for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s direction, technical achievements, and a stellar performance by the cast. The film’s remarkable scale, grandeur, and meticulous attention to detail were also widely praised.
How did Bajirao earn the title of Peshwa?
In 1720, the court of Maratha Chhatrapati Shahu seeks a new Peshwa, akin to a prime minister. Ambaji Pant recommends the young Bajirao for the position. To test his mettle, he is challenged to split a peacock feather with an arrow. Bajirao accomplishes this feat and ascends to the title of Peshwa.
A decade later, Bajirao’s wife, Kashibai, receives a visit from her friend Bhanu. She was recently widowed after her husband was condemned for espionage by Bajirao. Bhanu ominously predicts that Kashibai will yearn for Bajiroa in unforeseen ways, just as she longs for her departed husband.
While traveling to Sironja, Bajirao aids Mastani, the daughter of Hindu Rajput king Chhatrasal and his Persian Muslim concubine, against invaders. Impressed by her bravery, he falls in love with her. Bajirao unknowingly symbolizes their union by giving her his dagger. Meanwhile, Kashibai welcomes Bajirao home, showcasing the grand Shaniwar Wada and Aaina Mahal. This sets the stage for a complex tale of love, loyalty, and politics in Pune.
Why did Mastani arrive in Pune?
Mastani arrives in Pune determined to be with Bajirao. However, she faces harsh treatment from his mother, Radhabai, who refuses to accept her as a daughter-in-law. Despite being assigned quarters meant for dancers, Mastani persists in expressing her love for Bajirao. He, however, reminds her of his existing marriage and the societal obstacles they face. Despite this, Mastani agrees to be his second wife.
As the Marathas plan an attack on Delhi, Bajirao confronts the Nizam of Hyderabad to ensure their safety. Upon his return, Kashibai, now pregnant, witnesses Bajirao embracing Mastani through the Aaina Mahal. This leads to her heartbreak. She retreats to her mother’s home and returns with her newborn son, Raghunath. Mastani also gives birth to a son, Krishna Rao. However, when a Brahmin refuses to conduct the naming ceremony for him, citing his illegitimacy, Bajirao renames him Shamsher Bahadur and decides to raise him as a Muslim.
Years later, Kashibai’s eldest son, Balaji Baji Rao, also known as Nana Saheb, returns. He expresses disdain for Mastani, blaming her for the strain on his parents’ marriage.
Bajirao Mastani Ending: What happened in the end?
During Ganesh Chaturthi, Kashibai learns of a plot to assassinate Mastani and her son. She intervenes, informing Bajirao, who swiftly saves them. To ensure Mastani’s safety and provide her with a dignified abode, Bajirao constructs a palace for her. He then departs for battle against Nasir Jung, son of the vengeful Nizam.
Before leaving, Bajirao meets Kashibai as tradition dictates, but she tearfully confronts him about the pain he’s caused, likening their love to that of Krishna and Rukmini. Kashibai implores him never to return to her chamber. Bajirao remorsefully agrees.
After Bajirao’s departure, his mother and Nana Saheb imprison Mastani and her son. Learning of this, Bajirao fights Nasir Jung’s army alone in a fit of rage but is gravely wounded. As he lies dying, Kashibai sends a plea for Mastani’s release, intercepted and destroyed by Nana Saheb. Despite efforts, both Bajirao and Mastani die, leaving Kashibai to witness their tragic end, unable to alter their fate.
