MUMBAI: Sony Entertainment Television’s period drama ‘Punyashlok Ahilyabai’, has been adored by fans of all ages for its captivating narrative on the honourable life of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar. The story depicts the noble work of Ahilyabai, a woman ahead of her time who challenged the pre-defined societal norms and made positive contributions for the welfare of the people, with the support of her father-in-law, Malhar Rao Holkar. With the on-going track highlighting the issue of ‘Sati’, the show unfolds another crucial chapter of Ahilyabai Holkar’s life after the unfortunate death of Khanderao Holkar.
Ahilyabai has always been renowned for her numerous accomplishments, with the abolition of Sati practice being one of them. When Khanderao was martyred in the battle of Kumher, Ahilyabai gave up all desires of life and decided to perform Sati to accompany her husband at his funeral pyre. Malhar Rao Holkar had always been the strongest pillar of support for Ahilya and an open-minded person who didn’t believe the orthodox beliefs and traditions. What stopped Ahilya from entering the pyre with Khanderao was a tap on her back by Malhar Rao who refused to let it happen as according to Malhar Rao, Ahilya was the only potential one who could take care of the darbar and everyone else. After the demise of his son Khanderao, Malhar couldn’t afford to lose Ahliyabai hence stood by her side like always and talked her out of it.
Talking about the track Rajesh Shringarpure said, “In those days, especially when Sati was such a huge practice believed in orthodox circles, what Malhar Rao did was not only commendable but also something which makes us proud. The concept of Feminism was not even there in those days and yet, this gesture shows that the thought of equality between man and woman could have been historically present in the minds of people. By asking his daughter-in-law to not sit on the funeral pyre, he changed history, and we have our historical icon today, Ahilyabai. Had Malhar Rao been orthodox in his ways as well, we would have lost a great example. I feel proud to be portraying such a brilliant character in History because it really takes us back to the roots of equality between men and women and how certain people in power practiced it. Imagine having a father-in-law tell his daughter-in-law that she cannot perform Sati because he wants her to take care and handle the matters of kingdom after her Husband, that too in those days. It's a privilege to bring to the viewers a story so brave and inspiring."
Tune in to Punyashlok Ahilyabai, every Mon-Fri at 7:30 pm only on Sony Entertainment Television
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