Bombay Begums (2021) s01e01 Episode Script

1
Can you please cover the under-eye area?
Just look up.
This one.
Yes.
Some women are born to rule.
We call them queens.
They bleed for their dreams
and expect others to bleed for them.
I'm not sure I want
to be that kind of queen.
I think I'd rather lead the rebellion.
Not sure what I want
to rebel against, though.
Well, chai doesn't get better…
Sorry! May I?
-Yes, sure.
-Thank you.
That's Naushad's special Parsi chai.
I can't get through my day without it.
Well, this lemongrass chai
is what I use to charm Ms. CEO.
That's your story right there.
Am I right, Rani?
Absolutely!
Hey, Zuvi! Come here.
Join us.
This is our son, Zuravar.
-Hi.
-You're looking lovely!
Thank you.
Fatima and Arijay.
Congratulations.
Congratulations!
Your fifth and last IVF is a success.
Ten weeks went by in a flash.
Your second trimester will begin soon.
This is our last chance, right?
You had said, after this,
it would be medically impossible.
Hey.
-I hope Allah does right by us this time.
-Hey!
Are you planning
on building a cricket team?
I hope not. All is well.
Some women secretly aspire to be queen,
but society has taught them
they can't dare aspire
for such big things.
So they lie about their true desires
and make choices
they don't fully believe in.
Do all women have to lie
to themselves to survive?
I definitely don't want to, Mummy.
Shai.
Don't be an embarrassment.
Please! I don't want to.
Come. They are all waiting for you.
Rani is waiting for you. Come.
We have to finish this shoot.
Our Shai is a very shy girl.
Come on.
You're wearing the same thing again.
Beautiful top, Shai.
Isn't it?
It's my mother's. She's dead,
but I like wearing her clothes.
That's her.
Zenobia. She was a photographer too.
Have a look at her pictures.
It's nice.
And don't forget
to send me prints of this shoot.
I'm going to frame one
of the pictures and put it up.
Sure, ma'am.
We only put up mom's photos
in the house. That's the rule.
-She's a kid, don't mind her.
-Of course.
I'll put them up on my desk
in the office, okay?
Come on, Shai, smile.
How about Seher Noor?
That was my idea, right?
All right, mademoiselle. It was your idea.
-And if it's a boy?
-Impossible.
I'm sure it's going to be a girl.
Today, I have to close
that Lee Choi deal at any cost.
Well, if I get promoted,
then you don't have to come back to work.
Just be with the baby.
It would be relaxing, right?
No more deals to close.
Freedom from all this craziness.
I can just be a mom.
Right now,
I can only say 30 million dollars.
You will nail this deal as you always do.
Good morning, everyone.
-Good morning.
-Hi.
Hi.
Rani, the bank needs a new image.
One, a big social welfare scheme.
And two, your smiling face
plastered all over,
advertising for the bank.
And we sell you
as the good Indian housewife,
who knows how to save money
and spend wisely.
You want to project me
as a good housewife?
What about my strategy for
the economic growth of the bank, Sanjay?
We should have the goals
of the board and your strategy
to work in tandem,
and I'm always there to help.
I'll certainly take you up
on that offer, Deepak.
I'm going after our big bad debts.
I'm starting
a new venture capital division
to fund start-ups for the big future.
Look! The funds
will only be available to you
after we approve
your pipeline of investments.
I think Rani needs to be given
a chance to turn the bank around.
Thank you, Pradyuman.
I'm sorry but you are not getting
the 500 crores you asked for…
-Yet.
-I'm starting the division anyway.
You have to understand I have big plans.
I mean, we've met…
Just give me a moment.
Rani?
-Rani?
-Rani, what happened?
Rani, are you okay?
Sir, I'm certain we said
a 20% rate of return.
Check your documents. Deal off.
Since the error was on our part,
I will up the offer and underwrite
a 22% rate of return.
All future drops and interest rates
will be absorbed by the bank.
Twenty-four percent. If that's okay,
we can discuss again next week.
Mr. Choi, it's 22% or nothing.
And you'll have to decide now.
Fatima Ma'am? Okay.
In her office? Right now?
Yes, sure. I'll be there.
-The deal's done!
-Really?
-Congratulations!
-Thank you.
The late nights have finally paid off!
Really, dear.
Fatima Ma'am wants to see me.
I guess she wants
to personally congratulate me.
Twelve percent.
Who asked you to change
the rate of return?
Ma'am, sorry. I thought it would be better
for the bank if we played it safe.
Your cocky attitude could've cost
the bank a 30-million-dollar deal!
You fucking idiot!
I'm really sorry, ma'am.
-It won't…
-Your apology is useless, Ayesha.
This is the third time you've screwed up.
You know what? I'm done.
Pack your things. You're fired.
Go meet the HR department.
-Please, ma'am. Don't do this!
-Get the fuck out of here!
-I need a job. Please don't do this!
-Hello. HR?
Urgent. It's about Ayesha. I've fired her.
Please deal with the formalities.
-I won't do this again.
-Ayesha, just go.
-Last chance, ma'am.
-Get out!
-Go!
-Please, ma'am.
Bombay is a tough city.
It knows how to kick women in the gut.
You may want to take
the first train back home.
The question is how far
can you go to survive
in this city of dreams?
Good job on the Lee Choi deal.
Thank you.
We might not have worked
very closely together,
but I do admire your work.
Besides, you don't have to be so modest.
Now that…
Devyani has joined FCB Asia.
-So you know her position is vacant?
-Yes.
Do you think you can handle her job?
I'm sorry! What?
Are you up to being the new
Deputy MD, heading Private Equity
and also taking care
of our new Venture Capital division?
Why are you offering me this job?
Fatima, I truly believe that you have it
in you to help me turn this bank around.
Besides, results are what matter
to you. Am I right?
I don't have the required experience.
-You know, like Deepak Sir has--
-I'm not here to talk about him.
Do you have the passion?
That's what I want to know.
I…
I would love to do it, ma'am,
but at this point,
I really don't know if I can.
Why is that?
Because…
Because I'm pregnant.
So? Women can have a career and a family.
I don't know if I will be able
to manage all the responsibilities,
with the new job and the baby.
Fatima, opportunities like these
don't come along every day.
You're going to jump ten years.
In a few years, you'll be in the running
to be the CEO of some bank.
I know, ma'am.
I'm sorry. I mean,
thank you for the offer, but…
I'm sorry.
You are not as sharp
as I thought you were.
People like you
are handed everything on a silver platter.
Your education, privilege, and partners…
You just don't value anything.
Fatima.
I think you're going to regret this.
You are made for bigger things.
Thank you for lunch.
Think about it.
Oh, god!
He did his MBA in Singapore.
He works in Texas.
Good.
You need a man.
A strong man!
Listen.
Stay away from those shameless girls.
Yes, Mom.
We've met the boy's parents.
They're a well-known family from Ujjain.
I've already told them
you have a fancy job at Royal Bank.
I painted quite the picture of you!
How's work?
It's great, Dad.
I may be up for a promotion.
Talk sweetly to the boy, okay?
If all goes well,
we'll get you married in a few months.
Yes, Mom.
I need to crash. Early day tomorrow.
Fucking hell!
What are you doing?
Nothing, ma'am.
Why is your room so messy?
Yes, I was about to clean up.
-Why don't you clean it?
-I'll do it right away. Thank you.
-You're on the wine. Okay?
-I'm on the wine.
-Hi.
-Yes.
Hi.
-What do you think?
-Fatima.
-Hi.
-There you go!
-Hello.
-You look so lovely.
-What did I miss?
-Not much. Some wine and there's more.
I'll miss that for a long time.
Since Jay has started school,
Bindra's going to fund my start-up.
What?
Mother of my children,
I will do anything for you.
So sweet! That's amazing!
-I'm so…
-Hey!
-Arijay!
-Sorry.
I'm so sorry, baby!
Maybe we can get you a change…
Piya can help.
-Arijay, it's okay.
-We could get something. No, I…
It's okay. Just let it be.
-Sorry.
-Are you okay?
Then there was wine.
So what's the plan?
Once the baby's here,
will you stop working?
Fatima will stay at home with the baby
for a while, and then we'll see.
-Really?
-Yes.
Though I've been offered
Devyani Oniyal's position.
-What?
-Really?
-What?
-Wow!
Deputy MD, private equity
and venture capital.
Oh, my god! That is fantastic!
-Wow!
-Now you are in the club.
-But I haven't said yes yet.
-Why?
There's a lot to consider.
Of course, you can't let this go!
-Come on!
-I agree.
-Go for it!
-Congratulations, dude!
Now, you will never have to work.
But don't you want to be with the baby
all the time? Watch her grow?
I mean, I think women can do it all, no?
You just have to plan your day properly
and make sure that nobody spills
red wine all over your white shirt,
but I think we can manage.
-I guess some women can have it all.
-Look at all these CEOs, right?
-Rani Singh Irani and Devyani Oniyal.
-But Rani's kids are not hers.
Today, a mother is not just
a mother biologically, you know?
-Absolutely.
-Anyway, let's just move on.
Tell me. When are you taking this up?
-I haven't said yes yet.
-You have to say yes.
Guys, we need to toast to this.
-Let's toast.
-Happy for you.
-Thank you.
-Yes, cheers.
-Cheers!
-Cheers!
-Cheers!
-To Fatima.
Kissing will cost double. Deal?
Down. Deeper. Go on. That's it.
Now… Yes, deeper.
Now, go for it. Come on! Go for it!
Fuck!
Sorry!
It's all right.
Relax, kiddo.
You're a child.
You'll get better at this. Okay?
Take the condom off.
Dump it in the trash can. Okay?
Go on. Quick.
Some women laugh
and smile their pain away.
They aren't hailed
for their success stories.
Hey! Your keys?
Thank you, ma'am. I liked it.
I liked it too.
Come again! Good day.
May the Lord keep sending me
young wimps like you.
But they are survivors.
And perhaps the real queens of Bombay.
Where the fuck were you looking?
Dad, I didn't see him cross the road.
One basic principle.
You've got to keep your eyes
on the road when driving.
How much does this car cost?
Tell me.
And what about the car
your drunkard son was driving?
How much did that cost?
You're asking a very high price.
There is no price to my son's life!
Thank your stars my son isn't dead,
or I would've destroyed you!
Completely!
Calm down.
The cops are here.
The local officer
is an old friend of mine.
Should I tell him?
I accept your terms.
Please let's end this as soon as possible.
I'm in a hurry as well.
Ten lakhs, in cash.
Twenty lakhs, to my account.
And all medical expenses.
Of course! Hundred percent.
It goes without saying.
Thanks. I'll call you in an hour.
Fuck.
Why are you acting like a shy bride?
-You just lost your virginity to me.
-Please.
-Keep your voice down.
-You keep quiet!
How many times do I have to tell you?
He saved my kid's life.
He brought him to the hospital.
Lily, tell me the truth?
Why would I lie to you?
I swear. I'm telling you the truth.
-I should go to jail for this.
-Fucking idiot!
Couldn't you find a girl
in your own group to hook up with?
God knows what STD
you've picked up from this trash.
Naushad!
You mean to say I've got AIDS?
Zuvi, please. Don't even say that, baby.
Stop mollycoddling him, Rani!
It's all your fault!
Why did you buy him such an expensive car?
He's daft and fucking irresponsible!
Naushad, there are
far bigger issues at stake here.
Zuravar could go to jail.
It could be a huge media scandal.
And I'll be forced to quit.
"CEO forced to resign within first month
of tenure." Would you like that?
Don't worry, baby. I'm here. Okay?
Nothing is going to happen to you
as long as I'm around.
It's done.
There.
Everyone thinks I'm too young
to know what's going on.
The queen bee, especially.
Her closet, of course,
is not just full of saris…
but zillions of secrets.
What's wrong with Zuravar?
He was not feeling well.
He obviously got trashed last night.
-Should we go shopping for new clothes?
-I don't need new clothes.
It's been two months.
How's the new school?
Better than boarding, right?
-Shai.
-Yes, Rani?
Try and enjoy school.
These days won't come back.
Well, I have my secrets too.
And back home in this city,
keeping secrets
is perhaps the key to survival.
-She's so hot!
-What rubbish!
Such a show-off, dude.
-There you go.
-Hi.
You're not developed enough
for us to take your picture.
Send to Imran.
He looked at me, right? Are you sure?
My selfie, my choice.
Do queens always have to have big bosoms?
It doesn't seem fair!
It's a little boring
to have to wait to grow up.
Here's a list
of our major loan defaulters.
You need to figure out how to start
getting the money back.
-They're all our friends!
-Exactly.
You deal with them regularly.
It's best you get them aligned.
You wanted to help, right?
"We must be united in our efforts
to get the bank back on its feet." Right?
I thought you wanted to meet me
to hand over the Private Equity
and new Venture Capital division.
We'll talk about that later.
Right now, let's prevent
the bank from bleeding itself dry?
Look, Deepak.
I'd really like to get out
of this highly competitive environment
of who's going to be CEO next.
Let's build a profitable bank together?
I'm the kind of CEO
who truly believes in collaboration.
Do I have your full support
on this, Deepak?
Because I need it.
Of course, you do, Rani!
You're that kind of CEO.
-Everything all right, Warsi?
-Yes.
-Hey. How was your meeting?
-The usual.
Rani behaving like she's a fucking queen.
I wish you had become the CEO.
I will, just as soon as
Rani self-combusts.
Which she will.
Coffee?
No. My bad.
So what did she say?
Are you taking over
Devyani's responsibilities now?
Obviously!
But the mad queen
is taking forever with the formalities.
What is it that you wanted
to see me about?
-No, not much. Just the…
-Come.
You know, the Rotthsberg-Patil merger.
Just convince the Germans
that a slowing economy--
Is a great long-term investment decision.
That's my rock star!
Just playing the game you taught me.
I don't want to be a cripple.
What?
You won't be.
They paid me for your treatment.
And what about the new school fees?
Do you have the money for that? Tell me.
I'll get you enrolled…
in a good school.
Don't forget
what you have to say
about how the accident happened.
Remember.
Don't tell the truth, okay?
Just don't.
My smart boy.
This is my house!
You're a tenant!
My house, my rules!
No smoking and no drinking!
Ma'am, the window's open.
The room won't stink.
Shut up! I'll call your parents.
No, you won't call my parents!
I pay the rent, not my parents.
-Give that to me.
-What are you doing? Hand it over!
-Give me the cigarette!
-Just leave me alone! Go!
Girls just like you are the problem.
People don't rent
their houses out to single girls!
I don't want whores at my house!
I'm calling your dad!
I'm not a whore!
And you won't call my parents!
Enough! Pack your stuff.
-Get out!
-What the heck is wrong with you?
-Out!
-I won't! What will you do?
I'll break your bloody jaw!
Stop arguing. Get out!
Where's your ID?
Sir, please try to understand.
I work here.
I don't have the ID right now.
I've to finish an important presentation
and board a flight in the morning.
Here's a copy of my ID.
All right.
Staring at them won't make them grow.
When did you get your first period?
I think when I was 11 or 12 years old.
Shai, baby, what's the hurry?
Life changes once it happens.
Life changes after that.
I just need to crack
one fucking welfare scheme
so that the board shuts up
and gives me the money
for the new Venture Capital fund.
Don't wait for the perfect idea.
Just announce something. Anything!
And do it soon. Take the pressure off.
You know you can wing it, darling.
Thank you.
Which department are you from?
I'm so sorry, ma'am.
Actually, Fatima Ma'am fired me.
My landlady threw me out.
I had nowhere to go.
Here.
Thank you, ma'am.
I'm really sorry, ma'am.
I just didn't have a place to go.
What about your parents?
They're in Indore.
Rani Ma’am, I can’t call them.
They'll force me to return
to Indore and get married.
I would rather die here
on the streets of Bombay.
There's no need to be so dramatic.
Get ready and come to my office
in five minutes.
You don't have to carry all your bags.
-This needs to be overwritten.
-Sure, ma'am.
-Thank you.
-Okay. Thank you.
It's been a long time since I've seen
someone enjoy a plate of poha.
But, ma'am, you get
the best poha in Indore.
In Kanpur, they make it quite spicy.
At least they used to,
back when I lived in Kanpur.
I came here from Kanpur all alone.
Without a husband.
I didn't have a penny.
"A bank teller from Kanpur becomes
the CEO of the Royal Bank of Bombay."
I've read every single article about you.
But Bombay changes you, my dear.
Or maybe, we change ourselves
in order to survive in Bombay.
Survival is a battle for every woman.
Wouldn't it be nice
if the city gave proper opportunities
to women who have nothing?
What do you mean?
A chance. A fair shot at success.
You know, in the form of capital
for business or housing.
I mean, some solid support.
A scheme for women who are off the grid,
underprivileged and don't have
their basic paperwork in place.
The scheme will ensure that their
business is set up and runs successfully.
Ayesha will lead it.
We'll announce
our first beneficiary in a month.
-What about…
-This will be our big welfare scheme.
-Yes.
-Thank you, ma'am.
I'll pay you guys for my share
of the rent and utilities.
Don't worry. Are you hungry?
No, not really.
Anand, get some sleep.
You have an early morning at work.
I'll take care of Ayesha.
Yes, of course.
-Good night.
-Good night.
It's a small, cramped apartment.
Gurpreet, I wouldn't be here
if it wasn't an emergency.
Yes. Right.
-Ayesha.
-Yes?
Ayesha.
We should really stop hooking up, Anand.
Gurpreet is going to fucking throw me out.
She's going to throw you out anyway.
Did you call HR?
I told you, I'll meet them.
When? We still want to do this, right?
Once the whole job situation is sorted,
we'll be able to focus on your pregnancy.
That was the plan, right?
Yes, of course. So?
-Fine. I will call.
-What?
Arijay.
Hi, Rajesh. No, actually,
Fatima wanted to speak with you.
Yes. Just a second.
Hi, Rajesh.
I've been meaning to speak to you.
I don't think
I'll be able to take up the job.
Yes. I will come and talk to you.
Okay. I'll see you.
I'll see you at work.
Heena, I want methi parantha for lunch.
Rani Ma'am is amazing, right?
I mean, until yesterday,
my job status was "fired."
And now I'm back at the Royal Bank,
activating your department.
-Hang on! "Activate"?
-Yes.
Obviously, Rani Ma'am sees herself in me.
You know, like I can make things happen.
I mean, of course, my strength is
investment banking and not social work.
But you know what? The talent
and the qualities one needs to be the CEO…
I have those.
In fact, I can clearly see the future.
One day, I'll be the CEO!
And I will be an astronaut.
Very funny, Rob!
-Ron.
-Oh, Ron. Sorry.
Have a bite. Go for it.
How is it?
-I should've tried it before.
-Good, right?
Hey! What should I wear
to Rani Ma'am’s party?
Are you invited too?
Here.
Laxmi Gondhali.
-Professional dancer?
-Yes.
So do you dance in films?
I'm a professional dancer.
I dance at events.
I'm a sought-after dancer.
At restaurants and bars too, right?
Why didn't you lie about your profession?
Like you made me lie about the accident.
But…
I had the money, right?
I didn't know I'd still have to lie.
You should have!
You should have known, Mom!
You should have known.
Heading the Royal Bank of Bombay
as the new CEO is a huge responsibility.
After all, the bank's
consolidated total assets
stand at INR 12.50 trillion
as of June 30, 2020.
The bank currently
has a network of 4,882 branches.
It has 15,101 ATMs across India,
and we are looking at expanding.
Not only in retail, but also
in the high-growth venture capital space.
Needless to say, I want Royal Bank
to grow from strength to strength.
"Fatima Warsi, Deputy MD, Royal Bank…"
Fati, hurry up!
Yes, I'm coming.
Mummy shouldn't be greedy, right?
We can't have them both.
Can we?
We can be anything
We want to be
Living free in the city…
Rani is my pride,
my joy, my brightest prodigy.
-Hello.
-Hi. How are you?
So the board's putting a lot
of pressure on you.
On the contrary, I'm planning
a major overhaul of the bank.
-Are you?
-Petticoat brigade reigns.
Yes, we are, actually!
We miss you!
I so want to work with him.
The Deepak Sanghvi.
I'm going to head out.
I have to go for a real party
while you power gaze.
Go, save the world.
Yes. Maybe,
try actually introducing yourself to him.
-Really?
-Yes.
-See you later.
-See you.
Hello, sir.
Hello there.
Hello, sir. I'm Ayesha Agarwal.
I'm from Indore.
I'm in the CSR division.
One of the new recruits.
I'm really keen to work under you, sir.
IIM Indore?
Sir… Jindal University, Indore.
Sometimes, these new schools
are where the real talent lies.
Thank you, sir.
I've specialized in finance.
I would love to work with you.
Considering you just joined the bank,
that's going to be impossible.
But if you try hard enough,
anything is possible, I guess.
-Yes, sir. Thank you.
-Ayesha.
Yes, sir. Ayesha.
-Hello.
-Hey!
I just came in.
-What are you doing--
-Rani Ma'am hired me back in CSR.
You're perfect for welfare schemes.
That's where you should be.
Oh, hi!
Hi.
You've finally found your freedom
And without it, life would be joyless
We can be anything we want to be
Living free in the city of dreams
And if you feel you don't know what to do
Darling, you do you
Sorry, I had to say no.
What's the problem, Fatima?
Your husband's not doing as well as you?
If your marriage can't withstand
your success, then it's not worthwhile.
Is the offer still open?
-Hey, have you seen Arijay?
-Ladies and gentlemen,
husbands included.
May I have your attention, please?
I have a very important
announcement to make.
As we all know, our very own
and dearest Devyani Oniyal
has left Royal Bank of Bombay
to head FCB Asia. We're all proud of her.
So now, Fatima Warsi
will be our new Deputy MD
heading Private Equity
and our new Venture Capital division.
Can we give her a big hand, please?
-Congratulations, ma'am!
-Congratulations!
Congratulations!
Congratulations, Fatima Ma'am!
Congratulations!
Congratulations!
Congratulations, Fatima.
Congratulations!
It's your time to shine.
-Congratulations.
-Thank you so much.
Well done.
Hello, Rani.
Stay away from my son! Got that?
I'm not having
a love affair with your son.
I'm not interested in that wimp.
But he did run over my son.
My son could've died.
But he didn't die.
Your son is alive.
-I'm paying for his treatment and more.
-Hey, Rani!
Don't talk to me like that.
If I open my mouth,
the fancy party out there…
What is it called? Office dinner.
I'll end it in a flash.
Your son will be in prison.
And your status, your power…
I'll make just one call.
So far, it was just an accident.
But then you bribed me!
That means a corruption charge as well!
Right? Many years in prison…
-The inspector--
-Please, Laxmi!
-I worked really hard to get where I am.
-Really?
Just tell me.
What do you want?
The opportunity that your son has…
I want my son to have it.
Your son is an idiot.
Yet, he goes to a good school.
My son is a bright kid.
He deserves to be in a good school!
Money is not the only thing I want.
I want respect too.
I want better status in society.
And you will help me.
Or I'll flush your status down the drain.
Bye.
I can't fucking believe it!
Arijay, I told Rani…
I told Rani
that I was still interested, okay?
But within five minutes,
she just announced it.
What the heck was I supposed to say?
Of course, I was going to tell you first!
What am I supposed to say?
At least congratulate me.
Congratulations.
And what about our baby?
What about our baby?
What about our baby?
Our baby will be fine.
It's growing inside my body.
I am the mother.
Why are you getting paranoid?
How the fuck did she get into the party?
I'm scared of this woman, Rani.
The things she can do to Zuravar…
Blackmailing us for the rest of our lives!
Enough, Naushad.
I know!
It's not even a month
since I've become the CEO.
And Sanjay Puri and Deepak, damn it,
they're just waiting
for one fucking hiccup!
And then what happens?
Deepak is in and I am out.
That's a fuck load of pressure!
Not to mention the additional drama
of your fucking kids!
Is that how you feel?
You know I'm doing
the fucking best I can, Naushad!
Fuck this!
Don't you have to go home?
I don't have a home.
I'm staying at my ex's, and it's…
It's weird.
It's weird only if you make it weird.
Yes.
I have to stop sleeping with him.
Do you want me to be
your shrink for the night?
Because I will charge by the minute.
You sing beautifully.
Listening to your classic stuff,
it just… It made me feel something.
What's wrong?
You just called
my jazz songs classic stuff!
I'm sorry. Actually…
I didn't know.
I mostly listen to Hindi film music.
I could tell.
But you are too cute,
and you will survive.
Do you want some?
Oh, yes.
I love your hair.
I think you're rather drunk.
Where do we find love?
Do dead mothers
still love their daughters?
Do dead daughters
still love their mothers?
I don't think I ever want to be a mother.
I wouldn't want to be separated
from my child by death.
You shouldn't have abandoned me, Mummy.
Good night.