Nikkhil Advani’s historical fiction web series ‘The Empire’ directed by Mitakshara Kumar is all geared up to start streaming on the Disney+ Hotstar OTT platform from 27th August 2021. The show’s visually opulent trailer gave the audiences a magnificent sneak-peek of what’s in store for us in just a couple of days.
When it comes to watching historical fiction, it is mostly advisable to know a bit about the brief facts and historical characters in order to enjoy the show the way it’s meant to be. So here is a brief overview of who is playing who in ‘The Empire’ and the show’s underlying premise. (Spoilers ahead)
‘The Empire’ is based on Alex Rutherford’s book ‘Empire of the Mughal’ and like the book’s name suggests, the premise is based on the Mughal Empire and portrays its rise and fall. The opening season of the show chronicles the story of Babur, which is being portrayed by ‘Rang De Basanti’ actor Kunal Kapoor.
Babur is known as Mughal Empire’s founder and its first Emperor in India. Born in Fergana (present-day Uzbekistan), Babur ascended the throne at a very young age. Babur had his share of wins and defeats in his pursuit of capturing regions including Fergana, Samarkand, and Kabul. In 1526, he defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat. And that’s when the Mughal Empire was founded.
Babur’s aforesaid ascension to Fergana’s throne was ostensibly not well taken by Muhammad Shaybani, who eventually challenged Babur. The character of Babur’s formidable adversary Muhammad Shaybani has been essayed by Dino Moreo (Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi, Tandav), which is being considered as a breakthrough role for him. Muhammad Shaybani was an Uzbek leader who is also known to have deployed successful campaigns against Babur.
Veteran actress Shabana Azmi is also part of the show and will be seen playing the role of Babur’s grandmother Aisan Daulat Begum. Besides being his trustworthy counselor, she is said to have an immense contribution towards the building of Babur’s disciplined disposition and in his political decisions. Aisan Daulat Begum advised her grandson from his early days was always by his side.
Another important character namely Khanzada Begum is being played by Drashti Dhami. She was Babur’s eldest sister, and the strong brother-sister bond was known to all. When Muhammad Shaybani’s armed forces forced Babur to surrender in Samarkand, the former sent a proposal to Babur to get his sister Khanzada Begum to marry Shaybani Khan. The show also features Aditya Seal as Humayun, who was the son of Babur and became the second Emperor of the Mughal Empire.
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