Bombay Begums (2021) s01e02 Episode Script

1
I'm going to sort out
this accident issue for good, okay?
Zuvi will be safe. I promise you.
As the new Deputy MD, I'd like you
to work very closely with me,
not only on Private Equity
and the new VC fund,
but also on some select special projects.
Sure.
Sorry, ma'am.
Actually, I was stuck in traffic.
I was stuck for a long time,
and I couldn't get a cab.
Glad you could join us, Ayesha.
Yes, I was stuck
in traffic as well. There's--
Anyway, can we please move on?
-Move on.
-This is Laxmi Gondale?
-It's a hard "L."
-Gondhali.
-She used to be a famous bar dancer.
-Yes.
She's the first beneficiary of Shakti,
Royal Bank's welfare initiative.
Laxmi would like to start her own factory.
You guys can call me Lily.
It's short and sweet.
Lily.
-Wow!
-These saris are so pretty!
-Hey, give it back!
-No, it's mine!
There's another one!
Why are you guys fighting like kids?
-Stop them!
-Thank you, love!
-I love you, Lily! Thank you.
-Welcome!
Have some pastries.
-You haven't tried.
-What? You have pastries?
-These saris look expensive!
-Yes.
-Check the border, golden.
-So pretty.
I have never been blessed
with a wealthy customer.
You seem to be earning a lot.
Who are you fucking?
I won't be a prostitute anymore.
I'm done.
-Done.
-Really?
Who will pay the bills?
I'm setting up a factory.
Factory?
All of us, together,
we'll set up a huge factory!
-Factory?
-Yes!
And what are we going to make? Candles?
I don't know what our product
is going to be yet,
but we'll have giant machines.
We'll have sparkling new uniforms.
We'll have respect.
And our kids will live with dignity.
-Lily.
-Respect?
Looks like our friend here
is lost in la-la land!
-No, she's right!
-Shut up!
It's a client.
Galgotia needs two girls.
Want to join me, Ganga?
Let's leave in an hour.
I'm coming too.
All right.
Mom.
Yes, baby?
Is that kid fine?
He's okay. I'm taking care of him.
Now, sleep. Come on.
Mummy, why do women
fall in love and do stupid things?
I'm definitely not going to be
one of those.
The heart beats about 60 to 100 times
in a minute.
And even faster when you have
a crush on someone.
Can you tell me why?
No.
Love is a mere chemical reaction
in the body.
The human body is designed to ensure
that we, as a species, grow and multiply.
Why is that so?
Males, naturally, instinctively find women
more attractive when they are fertile.
Especially when they are ovulating.
Imran, behave yourself.
In fact, some studies show that males
think their mates smell the nicest
when they are in the most fertile phase
of their menstrual cycle.
Those gold bangles
your wife has been pining for,
gift them to her now.
On the occasion of Karva Chauth,
Royal Bank of Bombay brings you
the best loans to buy gold jewelry.
Cut! One more.
Rani Ma'am, you'll have
to complete the shoot.
Mandeep, I have been here
for four fucking hours.
I have a bank to run.
Got a minute, Rani?
Okay, I got this. Hello, sir.
Someone's looking like
she has walked straight off a TV soap.
I'm happy to die
in service of the bank, Deepak.
What about you? How are you doing
with the major bank defaulters,
especially the Juneja Group?
It's a useless exercise, Rani.
The old elephants, they're never going
to return any money to the bank.
And your VC fund clearance…
Not looking positive either.
The Flaxo deal papers.
Ready?
Keep going with the advertising.
And great move…
getting Fatima to fill in
Devyani's position.
I didn't see that coming.
Let's roll!
-Final checks, please.
-Powder, please.
They have moved me to my new office.
Aren't you coming to see it?
Hectic day.
I want to believe in love stories.
But it's so hard to love.
I think women who love are more lonely
than those who don't love.
Hey, Fatima, good morning.
Hey, good morning.
How's the new office?
Is everything all right?
-I love it.
-Brilliant.
Okay, three quick things for you.
This is a list of your benefits
and stock options.
Read it on your own time.
Let me know if you have questions.
Sure.
Also, you'll be heading
the Internal Complaints Committee
as the most senior woman in the bank.
After the CEO, of course.
Right.
-Great.
-Thanks.
Oh, regarding Arijay's promotion,
obviously, we'll have to stall it.
Spouses can't report to each other.
That's the new HR policy.
-Sure.
-Sorry about that.
Yes. No, of course. Yes.
I'm sure there are bigger
and better things in store for him.
-Yes.
-Okay. If you need anything, let me know.
Thanks, Rajesh.
Fuck.
What's your problem?
I want a real factory with heavy machines!
I don't want these
"homely" ladies' businesses!
Lily, we don't have the time
to set up a "real" factory.
Screw your time issues.
Nice! Karva Chauth!
Wives are forced to starve
in the name of husbands' happiness.
You guys use these archaic customs
for marketing your schemes.
These are ideas for sari printing
and pickle business.
What's wrong with these?
I don't care!
I want a giant factory.
I don't want this.
What good is your business degree
if we just sell pickles?
It's better than prostitution.
Hey.
Mind your tongue.
Don't cross the line.
I'm not here to beg.
Life has given me one chance.
I'll take it on my terms.
I'm not going to compromise.
I want a real factory with heavy machines.
Did you talk to the other dancers?
Will they work in the factory?
Yes, they're dancing with excitement.
I'm not untouchable.
All I want is respect.
This is why I want
those heavy iron machines.
I'm sorry, Lily.
Lily says there's a communication issue.
No, ma'am. That's not the case.
Lily is really bright.
It's going well.
Well, then great.
Give me a business plan in one week.
Yes, ma'am.
Ayesha, handling Lily
is your responsibility.
-Do you understand me?
-Yes. Sure, ma'am.
You're enjoying working
in welfare schemes?
Yes, ma'am.
Then make this happen.
Of course. Definitely, ma'am.
Leave.
Yes, ma'am. Sorry, ma'am.
Thank you, ma'am.
Yes, come in.
Hi.
I didn't get the promotion.
I'm sorry. I just found out.
Not like anyone can help.
I just wanted it
so you could take time off
and we could take
better care of our baby. But…
I didn't realize that the new job would…
I'm so sorry.
There's no baby now.
Anyway, how does it matter?
Stunning new office, by the way.
Arijay…
Hey, no, dude.
What are you saying?
Hey.
-Should I sleep in the bedroom?
-No, come sit with us.
It's the climax.
Okay.
-Here.
-Thanks.
Have you found an apartment?
Yes, I'll get one soon.
How?
Did you talk to a broker?
Yes, I'm looking for brokers.
I can help you with some numbers.
Yes. Okay.
Zenobia.
Zenobia.
It's been so many years.
I keep hoping,
waiting.
Rani.
Let it be, Naushad.
Fuck.
I wonder if the first person I have
sex with is someone I will truly love.
Love and sex.
I don't know if they always go together.
Yes, Mummy.
I'm a bit young for sex, I know.
But there is no age limit to love.
"Since you know
you cannot see yourself so well as…"
Sorry, ma'am.
Come in, Shai.
"…so well as by reflection,
I, your glass,
will modestly discover to yourself,
that of yourself
which you yet know not of."
I can smell you're growing up.
As for Niyamat,
just take it cool with her.
And her father, Afzal Mazumdar…
He's been banking with us for years now.
Tell me, in terms of final figures for our
equity stake, what are we looking at?
Well, anything above 30%
and we're golden, but I want 40%.
Mademoiselle wants the moon!
After you.
It looks like plastic,
but it is completely biodegradable.
This is Ozonoh.
And it is patented
by Arthur Brexton and Co.
And this is why we have to take them over.
It's revolutionary.
That's why we don't want to sell
ourselves short, Aunty Rani.
We are prepared
to offer Royal Bank 15% equity
in exchange for the takeover funding.
Look, sweetie,
the takeover is an expensive affair.
The team has run the numbers
and your company, Olive Sustainables…
Its current valuation is low.
Only once you acquire
the patent for Ozonoh
will the company have any real value.
And to fund the acquisition,
we'll require a minimum of…
40% stake.
Eighteen is the best we can do.
That won't do.
Niyamat, we're like family.
You have to trust me.
I won't let anyone interfere
with the running of your company.
You don't have to worry about that at all.
Can I please take five? Huh?
Fatima will take it from here.
Niyamat, how much stake does your father
have in the company?
He owns half your company.
He approves
every business decision, right?
Okay, what if I tell you that now
with your new stake of 30%,
combined with the Royal Bank's stake
of 40%, that's 70%,
you become completely free
of your father's control?
You don't have to take his opinion
into consideration.
You have veto power.
You want to pit me against my own father?
That's one way of putting it.
So if you're done living
in daddy's pocket, let us know.
But we won't go below 40%.
Take it or leave it.
They have left.
It went well, right?
Niyamat has to be handled delicately.
She's inherited her father's pride.
But eventually, it's her father
who will make the final decision.
Are you all right?
Yes, I'm all right.
I just get very hot sometimes.
The air conditioning was not working.
How are you holding up with the baby?
There won't be a baby.
That's Allah's will.
Well, look at the bright side.
At least now you can focus on your work.
I'm sorry.
Are you all right?
Rani Ma'am.
The onset of menopause can be a hard time.
-I know a good doctor…
-I'm not going through menopause.
There's time for that.
But thank you for the offer.
I need some advice.
-Sure.
-I want to know how to crack Mazumdar.
-You've been dealing with him for years.
-He has zero vision for the future.
Make him see what's in it
for him at the moment.
Okay.
I hope Rani isn't making you do
her dirty work.
Be careful.
She shouldn't end up
using you as her pawn.
-That could be why she made me Deputy MD.
-Warsi.
You are Deputy MD because you deserve it.
Just be wary of her.
She had a hot flush
during the meeting, and she left.
And I just changed the tactic
with Niyamat and…
I just hope it all works out.
Go with your instinct, rockstar.
Get some freaking rest.
Are you and Arijay doing okay?
So tell me.
I… I need a favor.
Go ahead.
You remember my husband, Arijay Sinha?
Yes.
I was wondering…
Is there a position for him in FCB Asia?
Oh, god.
Right, you need to get
the supplies for Karva Chauth.
-Make a note.
-Yes, ma'am.
Camphor, ghee, sweets,
vermilion, incense sticks…
-Please get them soon. I need to check it.
-Yes, ma'am.
Oh, god.
Shai.
The paint really gives
the blood effect, right?
You faked it. Why?
-Shai?
-Yes, Rani.
When you do get your period,
you have to tell me, okay?
No. Bina, you can get the sanitary towels
when I need them, right?
Bina, what does Karva Chauth mean?
Well, traditionally, women used to fast
all day for their husband's long life.
But I prefer to look at it
as a gesture of love.
So are you fasting for your dead husband
or my father? Or both?
I'm fasting for Naushad, Shai.
He's the love of my life.
Besides, you don't fast for dead people.
Maybe Dad should have kept it for Mom.
She wouldn't have died.
It doesn't work like that.
You can't prevent people from dying.
Fasting for love.
You'll understand when you fall in love.
Like I said, love is a lonely pursuit.
And if queens have to suffer
for their love too,
where does that leave us, mere mortals?
Hey! You're not going home?
The place where I'm living,
that's not home.
So why don't you get your own place?
My job will be confirmed
when Lily's factory is up and running.
I'm trying to control my expenses
until that happens.
Single girls don't get homes.
Nobody wants to rent out to us.
I know, right? Crap.
Look. You are going to be CEO one day.
This will be written in your biography.
Don't worry.
-Bye. Good night.
-Bye.
Hey, listen. Do you want to get dinner?
If my mom finds out
that my client is a prostitute,
she'll have a heart attack.
Or maybe her heart
will swell with pride. You never know.
She could say, like,
"My daughter is empowering
vulnerable women."
I think Lily's kind of inspiring.
She probably wants
so much more from her life.
-She wants too much.
-Or maybe she's ambitious.
Just like you.
She must have struggled so much.
Give her a chance.
Can I change the song?
I want to play something.
-Want a drag?
-Thanks.
Hey, Veronica.
Doesn't Chitra have an amazing voice?
I didn't know that we have jazz singers
in India these days.
Yes, and what about
other jazz singers from other countries?
In the 1900s, who's your favorite?
Why do you keep asking
these difficult questions?
How are you such a chiller, Ron?
Maybe because I'm not part
of the rat race.
But what if you want many things in life?
Like a lot of different things.
Yes. People want
a lot of different things.
I should… Actually, it's getting late.
Oh, yes.
Ayesha!
I thought we should
discuss this face-to-face.
We can sort things out.
Yes, sure.
Come on in.
Please.
Have a seat, please.
Water?
-No, it's okay.
-Orange…
Vaibhav! Do we have some orange soda?
We have some.
Have a seat. I'll go get…
Hey! Ms. Ayesha from the bank is here.
That's my son, Vaibhav.
He has to take his medication.
So he needs to have his lunch on time.
What happened to him?
He tripped.
Eat it before it gets cold.
Hi.
What are you doing?
Math problem.
-May I help?
-Yes, you can.
"X kilometer…"
Thank you.
Once my factory is up and running,
I'll get him enrolled in a new school.
All I want is for him to be successful.
You look really different!
-See?
-Grooving it!
What is this?
I was written about a lot,
back in the day.
"Dancing queens of Bombay."
I was like a film star!
They used to call me
the "dream girl" of Bombay Queen.
One minute.
So? I'm a star, right?
A superstar!
How many years
since the dance bars were shut down?
Fourteen.
How did you make a living?
You know the answer.
I do what I need to.
To keep my son and me alive.
So?
New plans for the saris
and pickle businesses?
No.
Let's set up a real factory.
Have you thought about it?
Fatima is too inexperienced for this job.
-Give her another five years.
-Thanks.
And then, she'll shine.
She'll just be the fall guy
for all your risky decisions, Rani.
Everybody knows.
Are you really that concerned
about Fatima's career?
Or is it that you thought someone else
would be taking over Devyani's position?
I mean, what's the real issue here?
Well…
I spoke to Afzal Mazumdar. He was furious.
Fatima suggested that his daughter
oust him as controlling stakeholder.
He is never going to agree to let Niyamat
take full control of her own company.
We may as well kiss this deal goodbye.
No, she didn't, I was there.
You mean Mazumdar's lying?
Mazumdar's companies
owe the bank 500 crores.
They have been defaulting
on all their interest payments.
You don't need to stand up
for him, Deepak.
Look, I'm interested in investing
in the bank's future.
And Ozonoh… It's a product of the future.
How do you plan to fund this takeover?
The board hasn't cleared any funding yet.
I'll let the board know what my plans are.
Could you pass the AC remote, please?
I don't think you're thinking straight.
I know you're going through
mood swings and hot flashes,
and you're under a lot of pressure.
I'm all right.
Thank you so much for your concern.
Look, if I am wrong
and Fatima does not deliver
in three months,
then we can find someone else
to fill that position.
Well, the same applies to you, Rani.
We can't afford any fuck-ups.
This will be rubber
and this will be metal.
These two.
And that is the logo.
And the name of the company
will be Lily Metals.
That's actually very good.
Look for a factory.
One that hasn't been operating
for a year or two. Lease it.
Ayesha, make sure that the
infrastructure costs are under control.
Lily Metals.
-Cheers.
-Cheers.
We've been waiting long
For a different song
What a tragedy!
Music is intoxicating, right?
Just like love.
Have you ever stopped yourself
from loving someone?
Have you held yourself back?
Here.
He's my one true love.
Haider.
I loved him a lot.
He loved me a lot as well.
-But…
-What?
He moved to Dubai.
And I had to look after Vaibhav, right?
He visits Mumbai.
We do meet, sometimes.
Anyway, my time's up.
Now, it's your time.
Fall in love…
with anyone you want.
Don't hold yourself back.
Anyone?
We've been waiting long
For a different song
What a tragedy!
Anyone.
FCB Asia is a bigger bank.
And Devyani…
A wonderful person to work with.
Fatima has been telling me
FCB Asia would be
a better place for Arijay.
Sorry.
Your point.
Why are you wearing this on Karva Chauth?
You should wear something red or yellow
and pray for a happy
and healthy life for your husband.
Fresh cupcake?
-I can't.
-Something else? I mean, cheesecake?
-I'm fasting.
-Really?
For what?
For the greater good.
That's wonderful.
Thank you, Gopal.
I am fasting today.
So tell me, Niyamat,
what is your decision?
I'm okay with Royal Bank of Bombay
having 40% stake in my company
and diluting my equity
and my father's to 30% each.
As discussed, that would mean forgoing 20%
of the outstanding loans
of the Mazumdar Group of Companies.
-Impossible.
-Of course.
Ozonoh's valuation
doesn't support such a waiver.
-I don't think our bank or any bank--
-Oh, we can.
In fact, that's the only way
this deal can happen.
We make our equity
by funding the takeover.
Fatima, can we please iron out
these little details later?
We'll have to check with Compliance.
We'll follow due diligence,
but it is possible.
There is a conflict of interest.
This is quid pro quo.
Forgiving Mr. Mazumdar's loan
for a stake in his daughter's company,
it seems like a bribe.
It could come under PRB scrutiny.
It won't.
That is my responsibility.
Can you please not see a conflict
when nobody else does?
-Yes, but I just thought--
-One moment.
Rani, if your own subordinates
don't trust your judgment,
it's hard for us to.
Come, Niyamat.
We have to make sure
that we do not break the rules.
You cannot sabotage
a deal that I am setting up.
I'm trying to help.
Why do you think Afzal
will dilute his stake
in Niyamat's company without getting
something solid back in return?
He doesn't love his daughter
that much. But he will do it
to forgo his big bad debt.
I thought you wanted
to recover the big bad debts.
By the way,
who do you go to for advice on this?
Deepak, right?
He wants this deal to fall through.
He wants you to fail. He wants me to fail.
Look, Fatima.
I need this deal to go through in order
for the board to pass the VC funding.
So you fix things with Afzal and Niyamat.
And while you're at it,
figure out how to get the money
to procure the Ozonoh patent.
If not,
you no longer have a job.
Enjoy the rest of your day.
Fuck.
Sorry, what was… What else is missing?
I am really setting up a factory.
We, dancers, can all work there together.
This is our life, Lily.
I'm happy with what we have.
How much?
I'm not for sale anymore.
I'm in the mood, Lily.
I'll pay you twice as much.
It's not about the price.
I don't want to sleep with you.
Come on! I'm in the mood.
You heard me.
-Lily…
-Shall I say it in English? No!
-Please.
-No way! Get lost!
Shall we?
JAG RAKSHAK PARTY WISHES YOU
A HAPPY KARVA CHAUTH
MR. VIJAY SATHE
Want to talk?
Fuck.
I'm going lose my job
because of which I lost my baby.
Allah's teaching me a lesson.
Stop it! What are you saying?
I feel like…
it was all my fault, you know.
I killed the baby. I…
The minute I chose that job,
the baby knew it and then…
You know that's bullshit, right?
What happened was awful.
But it was not your fault.
Have you spoken to Arijay about this?
I don't know, it's…
It's just been really weird
between us ever since…
we lost the baby and…
I'm sorry.
It will get better.
Enjoy, enjoy while we starve, huh?
Excuse us.
Listen, you need to go talk to Fatima.
She needs you.
Just go figure it out.
Yes. Again!
Piya is such a bully.
Maybe that's why she's my best friend.
Are you still upset about our baby?
Yes.
And you?
I guess I've…
just shut it out.
But I feel…
I feel you blame me for it.
Do you?
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry if I made you feel
that way. Don't…
Oh, Fatima.
Baby.
Here I come again.
Come.
Hungry women, all of us.
The men, of course,
have their bellies full.
How is our hunger going to benefit
the men we love?
You don't need to do all this for me.
But I want to.
I want you to have
a wonderful, happy life.
I already do.
-Thank you. I love you.
-I love you.
I don't get this custom,
but if it works for me…
Hey, Lily!
How's the factory setup going?
Come on, tell us.
-Do you really want to know?
-Of course.
Do you think I'm joking?
Yes!
To love is the greatest feeling of all.
And to know that the person I love,
loves me back.
Love stories, Mummy,
they have twists and turns, but they work.
Fatima Warsi.
Congratulations on your promotion.
I'm so proud of you.
But will you please do me a favor?
Stay the fuck out of my career.
Promise?
Promise.
Promise?
Promise.
Sagar, get the car. I'm on my way.
Ayesha.
Ayesha, hi.
I just thought…
-Beers?
-Yes.
Come in.
What a surprise!
So what's happening? How's it going?
Do you want to get that?
Hey.
Sorry, I'm late.
Rani.
Rani.