Original subtitles

Aapa, we need to talk.

Not now, Waheeda, come tomorrow.

These are Khwabgah's papers.

Sign them and I will leave.

What do you mean "sign them"?

Rehana aapa left two mansions in her will.

Now that Shahi Mahal is yours, Khwabgah should be mine.

When the right time comes, Khwabgah will be yours.

I promise.

But if the promise is broken?

Look, Zulfi, this is the reward for my kindness.

Don't you trust your sister?

She was Rehana aapa's sister too.

She killed her and now treats me

-as her servant. -Waheeda!

You are crossing the line.

Aapa, just sign these.

What if she doesn't sign?

I'm the witness of Rehana aapa's murder.

Both you and your Mallikajaan will be sent to the gallows.

Are you threatening us?

Not a threat, but a statement.

To the police.

Sign here.

How dare you hit me?

Zulfikar!

I gave you just a scar today.

If you mention Rehana's murder again, I will kill you.

Iqbal! Where is this Waheeda?

Your prayers haven't been answered yet, Aapa. I am alive.

As God willing! Come on, come inside.

I want to tell you something before I come inside.

Hurry up, we are not going for a stroll, we are going to the court.

This is the last time I am going to court with you.

Promise me, Aapa. After the judge's decision, you will give Khwabgah to me.

If you do not come with me right now, then Khwabgah will be neither yours,

nor Nawab Sammi's widow's, nor his son's.

Khwabgah's real heir is back.

-Fareedan? -Yes, who else? Come.

-Iqbal! -Yes?

Go!

Your Honor, this lady, as noble as she looks

is equally ill-mannered and immoral.

Under the cover of Shahi Mahal,

she's in the trade of buying and selling women.

Through these women, she traps noble and respectable men,

and has physical relations with them.

And then, when the time comes, she usurps their property.

-Objection, My Lord! -Let it go, Siddiqui sahab.

Let him make these false allegations.

God knows that I am innocent.

I am noble, pure.

My Lord, I am unwell.

My request is if you could extend the date of this case...

No, My Lord.

With this cunningness she has dragged this case for the last 15 years.

The case should be heard today.

My Lord, I don't want this case to go on for a lifetime either.

Nevermind, at least give me a chair so I can sit and breathe.

-Give her a chair. -Thank you.

Yes, Qureshi bhaijaan, what were you saying?

I was saying, My Lord, that this horrible woman, through her deceit,

usurped the mansion of the late Nawab Sammi sahab,

the father of my client, Umar Khan sahab.

Objection, My Lord!

Siddiqui sahab, please sit down. I am right here, in the witness box.

I have no objection, My Lord. Go on.

You are not only a good tawaif, but also an excellent actress.

How long have you been in Heeramandi?

My Lord, I am very uncomfortable.

If you allow me, can I take some medicine?

Okay. Waheeda?

Go on.

She comes from a long line of tawaifs,

that's why she is sipping alcohol like this.

My Lord, now he has a problem with me taking my medicine.

If you don't believe me, go ahead, have a sip,

check if it's alcohol or medicine.

And while you call us tawaifs, we come from a long line of artistes.

We bring life to festivities, but we are seen as mere performers.

We let our patrons steal our hearts yet we are called thieves.

And rightly so.

This is how she has stolen Khwabgah, My Lord.

Siddiqui sahab, will you take objection to this or should I?

I object, My Lord!

It was not stolen, it was gifted.

By Nawab Sammi sahab to Rehana aapa. She was a wonderful artiste, My Lord.

He gifted it to her as a token of appreciation.

He was in love with Rehana aapa. Ask his widow.

And after Rehana aapa's demise, being her heir,

I and my younger sister, Waheeda, have inherited Khwabgah.

Wow! You divided the mansion among yourselves?

We all know what happens in Heeramandi under the guise of art.

Etiquettes are taught.

False promises of love are made.

Respect for women is taught.

-Prostitution happens. -Waheeda!

Take off your veil and show them your face.

Do you see it, My Lord?

Today I want to show the real face of Heeramandi.

Scarred.

My eyes fill with tears when I see her.

Mine too.

Sit down, Waheeda. I understand your pain.

This scar was also a gift from a nawab.

You are not asking for it back.

But you are asking for Khwabgah back.

My Lord, she is wasting the court's time with this nonsense.

Please give me a straight answer.

Twisted questions deserve twisted replies.

Sir, I have the keys of the mansion.

If they have any documents as proof, they should show it to the court.

Also, their so-called "heir" should present proof of his legitimacy.

-Oh, my God! -Kamzat!

Mr. Qureshi!

-Leave my aapa. Leave her, leave her... -Order! Order!

-What are you doing? -Mr. Qureshi, get a hold of your client.

-Order! Order! -Let go! Let go!

-This is an insult. -Leave her.

Order! Order!

So much?

My prayers have finally been answered after all these years.

I got my Khwabgah back.

You distribute the rest. I have to pack.

I was thinking of going to Khwabgah this evening itself.

Waheeda.

What is she doing here, Aapa?

Her son humiliated you so much.

Because of his misbehavior we won the case.

From now on, Khwabgah is yours.

What are you doing, Aapa?

-You gave me Khwabgah. -And I kept my promise.

You were the mistress of Khwabgah for one whole day.

For one day?

I couldn't bear to see her pain.

So I'm returning what's rightfully hers.

But for free.

-How should I thank you? -That's it.

Before I change my mind... you should leave.

Yes, that's better.

Thank you, Bibi.

Don't cry, Waheeda.

Legally, Khwabgah belongs to Fareedan.

If she sues us, we will not be able to win.

And I cannot bear losing.

No matter what your move is, Aapa...

why am I the one always losing?

Because in chess, that's what pawns are for!

You've not only killed Rehana aapa, but also my dreams.

Who has inspired Alamzeb to sing so melodiously?

She is singing beautifully.

Madam, this is not Alamzeb, this is our Saima singing.

Mashallah!

Now, servants have started to outshine the daughters of the house.

-Have some sweets. -Sweets? What's the occasion?

Our new neighbor.

Aapa.

New neighbor?

She is giving sweets to the whole neighborhood.

-Safeena bi! Greetings! -Greetings!

Madam has given you the new house. Now find a new husband for yourself.

Madam! Greetings!

The old hag is saying hello, Madam. At least acknowledge her.

You should gracefully accept the blessings for your good deed.

Here you go. Congratulations on your new mansion.

Thank you very much.

I forgot to tell you the name of our new neighbor.

Fareedan.

Bibi, someone is here to meet you.

-Yes? -Spitting image of Rehana madam.

Mashallah. May no one's evil eye fall upon you.

Tell me what you need.

Phuphijaan said, "Ustaadji, dear Fareedan has come after years..."

Okay. So you are Ustaad.

Yes.

I hear you are Heeramandi's newspaper.

Now that you have called me the newspaper, let me tell you the headlines.

Of course. Tell me.

The latest news is that you've stolen Mallikajaan's peace of mind.

Wrong. She's the one who stole it.

-I am just taking it back. -Of course.

You got Khwabgah. I've heard Chaudhary sahab got it for you.

Have you come to give news from there, or to get news from here?

To give news from there.

Mallikajaan wants to make her daughter, Alamzeb, the madam.

But the girl doesn't want to become a tawaif let alone become the madam!

This Alamzeb will come in handy.

Enough about her friends, tell me, does khalajaan have any enemies?

There is. That handsome Englishman.

Cartwright.

He is new to this city, and so are you.

He also wants to destroy Mallika, and so do you.

Thank you for the excellent headlines.

What are you doing here, Chaudhary sahab?

I thought you went out with your friends.

You've ruined me enough.

What do you mean?

I have spent all my wealth, all my earnings, everything on you,

and I am just sitting here.

Now, even all the other nawabs laugh at me.

Oh, come on. You unnecessarily get offended by what people say.

Close the door on your way out.

LAHORE BOOKSTORE ESTD - 1890

Hey, mister, why are you closing the shop at this hour?

My shop, my choice. I'm going for some important work, come tomorrow.

You are leaving, but your employees should be here?

-Hey, Madam, you? -Yes.

You must have come to meet my employee.

Yes, the one who gave three rupees 12 annas for our books last time,

I'm here to return it.

He was joking with you that day.

He had come to buy books.

He is not an employee, He is the spoiled child of a great nawab.

Well! I am getting late, I'll leave.

By the way, where can we find this nawab?

Where are nawabs found? At parties, in clubs, at gatherings.

Oh, God! Now how will we find this nawab sahab in Lahore?

I am sure we will find him.

Us Indians have given away our kingdoms for hospitality's sake.

But we won't repeat that mistake.

You are waking up, the country is waking up.

They are understanding that this World War was never ours.

Who is getting killed in someone else's war?

Us.

Who is dying in the Bengal famine?

Us.

Who are these landlords and nawabs giving their grains to?

To the British Government.

And who is putting up with this oppression?

Us.

Not anymore.

We look like sand, but we are gunpowder.

Now the time has come to put a spark in this gunpowder.

If any of you find it painful to kill or be killed, you may leave.

I knew I wouldn't be disappointed in you.

Keep this spirit intact.

You will be informed about our next steps.

-May God be with you! -May God be with you!

This is our leader, Hamid Mohsin Ali.

-Come on, I'll introduce you. -We've met.

He was the one who saved my life.

Balraj!

Fareedan Bibi! Bibi Fareedan.

I have brought an army of dancers for you.

I've chosen the very best for you.

They sing and dance too.

You don't even let me rest.

These two will work in the kitchen.

And these three will warm the beds of our special guests.

Anything else?

May God be with you, Ustaadji.

May God protect you, Bibi.

Will you foster whores in Heeramandi? All that does not work here.

Fareedan is here now,

everything will work.

Now let me sleep, Ustaadji.

Sehar, take the girls inside.

Come on, ladies. Come on, let's go.

Bibi, for your debut performance

I've got a prospect that will take your sleep as well as breath away.

Tajdar Baloch. The sole heir of Ashfaq Baloch.

Mallikajaan is considering him too,

for Alamzeb's debut.

You should now reward me...

Let Alamzeb have him.

Bibi, for such a patron a tawaif might run a knife on her ammi too and you...

I will stab the dagger

in khalajaan's chest.

-You just keep watching. -How?

When Alamzeb and Tajdar meet, they will fall in love.

And where there is love, there is destruction.

How many pieces will you tear this into?

As many pieces as I was torn into.

Then who will you take as your patron?

Wali Mohammad.

-But he's Bibbo's patron. -That's exactly why.

You planning on stirring up a storm in Shahi Mahal?

I will wreak havoc.

On you.

-Hey! Fareedan Bibi, what are you doing? -Ustaad...

What are you... Hey, leave me, no.

-Why are you ashamed of me? -What are you doing? My...

Aapa! I want to talk to you about something.

But if you are busy, I can come later.

Tell me, Alam, what's the matter?

Isn't there a big party at Wali sahab's mansion?

I heard that all of Lahore is coming.

Every year, when his wife visits her parents,

he hosts a grand party in honor of Bibbojaan.

This time can I also go with you?

Since when did you start liking such parties?

I was thinking I'd get to meet new people, make new friends.

And nawabs are also found in such parties. Right?

Which nawab?

Yes, tell us. We should also know about that nawab.

No, none.

Bibbojaan! Congratulations! Alam's youth is in full bloom now.

Alam!

Wow, the youth. Wow, nawab!

Go away, if you'll tease me like this, I won't go to the party.

Don't tease Alam, you two.

I will take you to the party.

It's possible that you may find the nawab of your dreams.

Isn't it?

Wali ji, what are you doing?

So many people here and you are staring at me.

I cannot take my eyes off you, what can I do?

Wali sahab, I salute you.

Look who I have brought to meet you today. Fareedan Jahan.

She normally doesn't go anywhere uninvited,

but I said, relationships get made in parties.

So she came.

Fareedan's arrival doesn't create relationships,

it creates stories.

You may not believe it, Wali sahab.

I've come all the way from Benares to meet you.

You turned out to be more handsome than I had heard.

My heart is racing. What, you don't believe it?

See for yourself.

Oh, God.

Her heart is racing and yours just stopped.

She is my cousin.

Even as children, she'd write stories, and I'd erase them, remember?

And as children she'd bring toys,

and I'd snatch them away, remember?

So you plan on stealing my sahab tonight, do you?

This isn't stealing, my love. It's robbery.

Stop me if you can.

Now, if you're done here, Madam, may I take Wali sahab away?

There are guests waiting.

You hit the bull's eye, my dear.

And the hand as well.

You said you can't take your eyes off of me.

Fareedan aapa took them off.

Come on, Bibbojaan.

This is so disappointing, Ustaad.

After such grand promises, you've introduced me to just one nawab.

At least get the price of this sari recovered.

I will, but for now just look over there.

Alamzeb, Mallika's younger daughter.

Your next target.

Come on, give it to me.

You are Alamzeb, right?

You don't recognize me?

I am your Fareedan aapa.

Mashallah!

You have such beautiful eyes.

By the way, who are these eyes searching for?

Sorry? No one.

Are you... looking for him?

-How did you know? -Fareedan knows everything.

I also know that you love him.

-Come, let me introduce you. -We have met.

-So, meet him again. -We've met twice.

Once in a poetry-reading session. The second time in the bookstore.

And you gave your heart to him, just after two meetings?

Yes. And a handkerchief too.

You know what, go visit the Dargah tomorrow

and pray with all your heart that you get him.

When you open your eyes, he will be in front of you.

-And if he doesn't come, then? -So change my name.

Fareedan Bibi!

-Meet him, Nawab Ali Baksh. -Greetings.

He owns half of Rawalpindi.

Greetings.

May I say something, Ali Baksh sahab?

I've come all the way from Benares to meet you.

My heart is racing.

What, you don't believe it? See for yourself.

Looks like God would have granted all my wishes today.

Where did you disappear on the day of the riots?

My heart sank.

Do you feel so deeply for every stranger you meet?

Yes.

You saved a stranger's life that day.

You are quite brave.

I hope you weren't hurt too much.

I was. But my heart was hurt most.

Miss, this happens to be our third meeting

and we still don't know each other's names.

I know your name.

So tell me, what is my name?

"Taj."

You wrote my name on your hand instead of on your heart.

Writing a name on the hand makes it a part of destiny.

So tell me your name. I will write it on both my palms.

On my forehead. On my chest.

Excuse me, ma'am. Your aapa is calling you.

-Yes. Please excuse me. -I will excuse you, but...

First tell me your name.

Let's leave some things for our next meeting.

And when will that be?

Leave that to God.

May God be with you.

May God be with you.

Oh, the beauty of first love, the fireworks, the magic.

It's something else, isn't it?

-And you are? -Fareedan.

I've come here a few days ago from Benares.

I am a clairvoyant. I can tell the future by looking at the face.

Interesting. Excuse me.

One handkerchief.

I also hear some poetry.

Some falling books.

Unfinished meetings.

So tell me, when will the next meeting be?

At the Dargah in Heeramandi, after Maghrib prayers.

Why would she go to the neighborhood of tawaifs?

Nawabs and tawaifs are both equal in the eyes of God.

At the Dargah in Heeramandi, all prayers are answered.

Try it!

-Madam, here is your sherbet. -Thanks.

It's a bad habit, leave it.

How long are we going to wait, Alamzeb? Your Tajdar sahab has not yet come.

-And why will he? -Shut up, wretched one.

I don't know what that Fareedan has filled your head with.

And you are listening to the enemy!

I'm not listening to the enemy, I'm listening to my heart.

And my heart says, he will definitely come.

Poor thing has been waiting for so long.

I laid the perfect bait.

I don't know why the prick has not come yet.

Alam, let's go home. You've already made offerings at the Dargah twice.

I think I should offer it a third time. What do you say?

-You do whatever you want. -You go home.

I'll be back.

-Meet me in front of the Dargah. -All right.

The heart will always rule over the mind.

Hey, what are you doing?

Fareedan Aapa, he did not come. Why did you lie to me?

The lines of fate don't lie and nor does Fareedan.

And I'm never wrong when it comes to matters of the heart.

Humaira, where are my binoculars? Give it to me.

Come here.

Take a look.

See? I told you he would come.

Hey, where are you going?

-To meet him. -Now you will meet him next week.

I will surely meet him today.

Go, you can try.

Fareedan Bibi.

Fareedan Bibi. Are you ready?

Come on. Do you want to go or not?

What happened, Ustaadji? Why are you making so much noise?

I'm going to meet the British officer, not the King of Britain.

Of course, there will be noise, Bibi. Cartwright and you,

both Mallikajaan's sworn enemies,

will together script her downfall.

But, Bibi, it is not right to keep Cartwright sahab waiting.

He is a crazy man.

Guess what's in my hand?

How would I know?

Right now, it's empty. But when I return, Cartwright will be.

I am sure...

She is Heeramandi's most prized possession,

-Jaan Shah... -Fareedan.

Tell me, how can I serve you?

"Service"? Here, in front of everyone?

-Ustaadji... -Yes?

My cigarettes were left in the buggy, can you bring them?

Yes.

I am here to lodge a complaint.

-Against whom? -Mallikajaan.

Twenty five years ago today, she murdered my ammijaan.

If there was no punishment then, how will it happen now?

I have come with a lot of hope.

Please reopen my ammijaan's case.

I'm sorry.

But that cannot happen.

I was this big when that woman sold me.

Mallikajaan ruined my life, and you are saying that...

Please don't cry.

I will try to find that file.

I have more things to tell you.

If you could come home one night, I'll lay them bare for you.

What can I say, Madam?

There's gossip around

that Razia, from Peeli Kothi had an affair with her friend.

And that friend was flirting with our Iqbal.

Madam!

Zulfikar sahab is here to meet you.

-At this time? -Yes. Should I bring him in?

-Yes. -Certainly.

You see, these men do not give up the chase even during the day.

You said the right thing, Madam!

May God have mercy.

-Come, come, Nawab sahab. -Greetings, Mallika.

Greetings! What brings you here during the day?

Please sit.

Everything all right?

Nothing is all right.

I've heard, Fareedan and Cartwright

are trying to reopen the case of Rehana's murder.

That wretched woman, may she rot in hell.

Don't worry, she won't be able to do anything.

That is the hope.

Where is that file?

File...

The file I gave you 25 years ago, and asked you to keep it safely.

The file that contains all the secrets of Rehana's murder.

If that file gets into Cartwright's hands, both you and I will be ruined.

Remember? That file.

I have kept it somewhere safe, I'm sure I'll find...

If I don't get that file at the earliest...

your naked, lifeless body will be found floating in this very fountain.

You're joking.

I am warning you.

Sahab, are you suspicious of me?

I am suspicious,

but I have faith too.

-Aapa, did you call for me? -Yes.

But why here in the basement?

I gave you something 25 years ago, now I'm looking for it.

Twenty five years ago?

Have you given me anything, but humiliation and betrayal?

Stop spewing venom, and return Rehana aapa's file to me.

You didn't give me any file, Aapa.

Mallika never forgets anything.

Madam, is this the file?

I have said this a thousand times, the red file with a brown slip.

The file with a brown slip?

Aapa, I burned that at your request then and there.

Burned it?

And here I've been suspicious that you were angry with Zulfikar and hid the file.

Thank God!

Neither the scar given by Zulfikar sahab has faded,

nor the anger.

But I am loyal to you.

And I will always be.

Length of the kurta, 30.

Bibi, I bring such amazing news, you'll reward me handsomely.

There is panic in Shahi Mahal.

They're searching for a file and Mallikajaan is scared out of her wits.

-Are you not happy? -I am.

But first, tell me which color will suit me best for my debut?

Bibi, all colors look good on you.

Yes, but if you measure from this far

the dress may be a bit tight.

No man has ever touched me. You think I'll let this tailor touch me?

Really? So did Chaudhary sahab gift you everything

without ever touching you?

May God be with you, Bibi.

And gave away Khwabgah as well.

The only thing I've given Chaudhary sahab is hope.

As long as you don't allow a man to touch you, he remains a slave.

Oh, Bibi.

Okay, listen.

The news of my debut night should reach every nawab

and nobleman along with Wali Mohammad.

First of all...

First of all, your khalajaan will be informed.

Bibi?

Happy?

Last week, I resolved all the issues.

What could have happened overnight?

What has happened is... Fareedan wants to organize her debut.

She is a girl. She has returned after many years.

Let there be some celebration.

Let her make her debut.

Phuphi, the tawaifs of Heeramandi have a few principles.

Only virgins make their debut.

And I, myself,

sent her to Sattan Miyan's place.

You did not send me.

You sold me.

You sold a nine-year-old girl.

Fine, I sold you.

So then how are you still a virgin?

Once a sword touches the neck, it for sure cuts through, doesn't it?

That's true!

The sword should also have an edge, Khalajaan.

And poor Sattan Miyan, each of his children had a different face.

If not him, it must've been someone else.

I'm sure you've been passed around.

Many men must have left their imprint on her.

Why don't we take a look?

Zora, take her inside and check.

Why go inside? Come and take a look if you want to!

Do you dare to?

I am not a virgin.

Then it's decided.

According to Heeramandi's tradition,

you cannot make your debut.

I will break this tradition.

I will break it in front of you.

My debut performance will happen in front of Shahi Mahal, Phuphi.

Tell her to stop me if she can.

Wow! Impressive.

Watching two swords battle each other is no fun.

The real fun will be when two tawaifs clash.

There will be celebration in all of Heeramandi.

Mashallah!

This looks so beautiful on you.

Wear this for your last performance.

Why last, Ammi?

People long to hear my voice.

They want to record it, and you're stealing that away from me.

Fareedan is making her debut performance.

She is new in Heeramandi.

And nawabs prefer aged wines and new tawaifs.

I have decided,

it will be your last performance that night.

All the nawabs will come to Shahi Mahal to pay their last respect to you.

And this will be Fareedan's defeat.

And what about my sahab?

Wali sahab will be upset.

-And... -And your last performance should be such

that has never happened before in Heeramandi.

There is a lot of excitement in Heeramandi today.

Both sides are ready for battle.

Bibbojaan will be performing here, and Fareedanbai over there.

Performances take place here every evening,

but my dear Fareedan is making her debut this evening.

It may be. But you do know

that a tawaif's last performance is more special than her debut.

Last performance? Whose?

Bibbojaan's.

Nawab sahab! Hey, hey, greetings, greetings.

Fareedan Bibi's house is this way.

Tell Fareedanbai I'll pay my last respect to Bibbojaan and then come over.

Goodbye.

Hussain sahab, hope you remember

that Fareedan is making her debut tonight.

I remember, Ustaadji. But I don't forget tradition.

Please excuse me, but this evening is for Bibbojaan.

Greetings.

Greetings.

Greetings.

-Greetings. -Greetings.

What a move by Mallikajaan!

Overshadowing her opponent's debut by announcing a farewell performance.

Fareedan.

You don't want this prince-turned-pauper, but no prince will turn up today.

-And why won't they? -It's tradition, Fareedan.

All nawabs attend a tawaif's final performance, to bid her goodbye.

And tonight is Bibbojaan's final performance.

Congratulations on your loneliness.

Don't throw these flowers at me

Don't throw these flowers at me

Don't throw

These flowers at me

Don't throw

These flowers at me

It hurts my heart deeply

It hurts my heart deeply

Don't throw

These flowers at me

-Impressive! -Fantastic!

Why is your house empty, Fareedan?

Your first performance, and nobody came?

That's such a shame.

You want to become a tawaif, but don't even know

that one shouldn't take a seat before the audience arrives.

Anyway, don't be sad.

If not an audience, I am here. You perform.

You've won today.

Tomorrow, I will.

Where you are today, I will be there tomorrow.

Impossible, my love.

There is a very long distance between defeat and victory.

You will not be able to walk it.

You announced Bibbojaan's last performance, just to win against me.

This means you fear me a lot.

I don't even fear God.

Only time will tell that.

By the way, there are stains of my ammi's blood on your hem,

and now coincidentally mine too!

This is Mallikajaan's hem.

This much blood will not quench its thirst.

It was your first performance, I came to pay tribute.

May God be with you.

The sting of the bloody flower

Bruise my soul

The sting of the bloody flower

Bruise my soul

Each pore of mine feels stabbed

And as it bleeds, I plead

Don't throw

These flowers at me

Don't throw

These flowers at me

Subtitle translation by Inderpal Singh