Set against a volatile backdrop “Bahu” is the compelling story of two ambitious daughters – in – law belonging to one of India’s most powerful political families.

“Shikha” and “Urvashi”  find themselves caught in a complex vortex of intrigue, deceit and betrayal, once their husbands are dead – victims of vindictive nations in a rapidly changing political scenario with an overbearing, larger-than-life, the legacy of a mother-in-law to deal with.  And nobody they can trust or turn to, the two women find themselves sharing the family house and political destiny of the famous first family they’ve married  into.  A family that has determined the history of a nation.  A family that has affected more human lives by its decision, than any other family in history.

Now, it is up to the two women, two willful widows, to survive in a climate where the knives are out, especially since both have burning political ambitions of their own.  The stakes are high.  There’s too much to lose.

“Bahu” explores the dynamics of their strife-ridden relationship, the  conspiracies that push them to the edge, the intrigues that bind them, the enmities that almost destroy the remaining members of the legendary “Pandit” family as the “Bahus” struggle to find their feet in their world of corruption and compromise where children get drawn  into the ugly, fierce battle of  Egos, where ruthless women scheme to finish each other, where sycophants fan the fires of jealousy and suspicion, where political rivals plot their downfall and where only one of them stands a real chance of recapturing the post  of P.M. A post that has been the monopoly of the “Khandaan” for fifty years.  Which “Bahu” makes it to the coveted hot seat?  What means fought and rigged ?  What sort of money betrays whom in the end?  Which women survive?  In this riveting combined portrait of a country divided by the iron-wills of two power-hungry fiercely ambitious women visiting and victors, play their parallel lives get intertwined in this explosive saga of love and hate, loyalty and betrayal above all,  it’s the do-or-die race for power that fuels the story narrated with brutal candor and deep insights into the murky world of Indian politics, “Bahu” is a must-see for all those  who care about justice, democracy and fair-play, those who care about India’s survival itself.

Mrs. G. and Sonia in Mrs. G’s businesslike “manly” bedroom-cum-workroom (large roll top desk, PC, etc, briefcases, files, cupboards).  They’re in front of a tijori, discussing what is to be given to Maneka – it’s her first “official” meeting with family.  Give her something small – just a token, Mrs. G advises Sonia.  Sonia removes an antique “Kangan”  This ?”  “No, that’s too much”.  It belonged to my mother.  Give her that peacock brooch –  I don’t remember who gave that ghastly thing to me at your wedding.  Both women laugh – Sanjay overhears the conversation, protests.  Argues with mother.  Sonia keeps silent and neutral.  Fiery exchange.  Rajiv walks in and calms everybody down.  Reassures Sanjay that the family accepts Maneka wholeheartedly.  India and Sonia exchange quick looks.

Bell rings.

Maneka, Mother and Maneka’s sister along with weak, insignificant father.  Maneka – young, spirited, lovely greeted effusively by Rajiv, coldly by Mrs. G. Correctly by Sonia, Maneka dives for Mrs. G’s feet – she stops her imperiously and says “In our family, we don’t  believe in such things, lecture follows on progressive attitudes, a new india, etc.  Sanjay catches Maneka’s eye and winks in sympathy.  Awkward “tea party” follows.  Maneka makes a few boo-boos.  Amteshwar is crass, loud, aggressive – marriage arangements discussed.  “We believe in simplicity and discretion”,  Mrs. G reminds them pointedly.  Scene ends with Rajiv promising a “fun party” for the youngsters.

Amteshwar and gang in car driving back.  Amtesh livid.  Maneka perturbed, hurt.  “The person you have to watch out for isn’t your future mother-in-law”, Amtesh says “but the senior bahu of the family”.  She is too indispensable to the P.M.  you’ll have to work very hard to compete with her.  Father says mildly, “Don’t put such ideas in her head”.  Amtesh replies “What do you know about such  things?  Have you done anything worthwhile in your life ?  Man squirms –  looks out of window.

Late night phone call !  Maneka crying bitterly.  Sanjay saying “I’m coming over just now.  Maneka saying “It’s 2.00 a.m.”  Sanjay “So what ?  I’m not the sort of guy to keep checking the time.  There is nothing “wrong time” in my book, I want to see you right now.  And I’ll be there in 10 mins”.  Don’t drive rashly … you remember what happened last week?”  Maneka warns him.  “There’s no other way to drive” Sanjay laughs.

Mrs. G’s morning darshan on lawns.  Sonia right behind here with files, pad and pencil.  Garlands are happening, poor people with petitions.  But the two women are discussing Maneka in English, “Don’t worry  –  these villagers won’t understand a thing.  They’ll think I’m giving you instructions for the rally next week”.  Rajiv joins them with Priyanka & Rahul.  “Taking the kids to the zoo”, he says.  Warm moments with Sonia and kids.  Mrs. G. continues the darshan dictating stuff to V. George.

Sanjay’s car screeches to a halt.  His rowdy chamchas raise slogans.  He does namaste and confronts the family, “You made Maneka cry”, he accuses.  Mrs. G tells him to lower his voice since janata is listening.  He brashly carries on shouting.  Rajiv pulls him along to the zoo with the kids saying “Lets pick up Maneka on the way”.

Mrs. G. in room.  Night.  Sonia fixing Mrs. G’s sarees, blouses, etc. for the next day’s schedules.  The two women are entirely comfortable – phone’s answered by Sonia.  It’s Maneka asking to speak to Maaji.  Sonia raises eyebrows, signals to Mrs. G. who picks up extension.  Maneka, voice shaking, apologies for any offence given.  Mrs. G. treats her like a naughty school girl.  Split screen.

Amteshwar prompting Maneka to say the “right” things.  Poor father looking embrassed.  Amtesh treating his feelings with contempt.  Conversation ends with Mrs. G. inviting her to a Sunday family lunch – “but alone – not with the rest of your family.  Let’s get to know you, as an individual.  After all, you’ll soon be one of us.”  Maneka grateful.

Sanjay and Mrs. G. alone in Sanjay’s bedroom (establish his passions through décor – models of cars, airplanes, other electronic toys).  Mrs. G in a loving, intimate mood, massaging his head, showering him with affection, popping chocolates into his mouth.  He goes into raptures over Maneka.  “Why don’t you wait a few more years ?  She’s still too young.  Has she finished college?”    Sanjay shoots back, “Did you finish college?”  Weren’t you also “too young?”.  Mrs. G. looks sad, “Why do you think I’m telling you to wait.  Look what happened to my life …” Sanjay hugs her.  “It won’t happen to her,  I’ll protect her forever”.  So long as I’m alive, my wife will have nothing and no one to fear.  That’s my vow to her”, Freeze on Mrs. G. troubled face.