The play is set in the late eighteenth century during the decline of the Moghul Empire when Shah Alam II was emperor and India swarmed with a variety of European mercenary soldiers and adventurers. They came to make their fortunes by taking part in the power struggles that were going on. The play focuses first on a military brigade led by a European soldier of fortune named Col. Walter Reinhardt Sombre. It was one of the best-trained brigades and had a component of 273 Europeans, many of them deserters from the British and other European armies, along with 2,700 Indian soldiers. They were a tough lot who demanded loyalty and wages by the roughest means. Col. Sombre came to be known in India as Sumroo through a mispronunciation of his last name.

The play shows how an extremely capable Indian woman, with humble beginnings as an impoverished dancing girl, took over the brigade from her European commander, led it, made it one of the most efficient in India, fought numerous battles, rescued an Emperor, was wooed by the English and French, had lovers of many nationalities, and among her admirers could eventually count men of the cloth, including the Pope.

She also built palaces and churches that may be seen to this day. She was like an Indian equivalent of Joan of Arc but succeeded so admirably in all she did that she avoided being martyred and therefore is remembered by relatively few historians.

In short, the play is about a European-officered brigade and an amazing Indian woman who was ahead of her time and ours.

This play is about a woman who became the Begum of Sardhana, had visions of becoming a world figure, and for that purpose converted to Christianity and built a cathedral in Sardhana, which brought her to the attention of the Catholic Church.

A beautiful nautch girl climbs to the ranks of leader and showcased Alyque’s penchant for spectacular, larger-than-life stagecraft which also included a live cannon. But even the sets, the lighting and Arjun Khanna’s beautiful costumes paled in comparison to the entry of a live horse on stage.

Alyque’s penchant for fascinating characters drew him to the journey of Begum Sumroo.

A woman ahead of her time, fearless, beautiful, and a warrior! Impossible for Alyque to walk away from. The casting began in earnest. He began searching for an actress stunning to look at, athletic in build with a magnificent personality.

Destiny brought Tara Deshpande to the production.

Gerson played the European Colonel Walter Reinhardt, head of a mercenary army, who takes the nautch girl as his companion/wife. She assumes his surname Sombre, gradually corrupted to Sumroo. The play is written by Partap Sharma and was a great success when premiered in Bombay. The title role was wonderfully played by the young Tara Deshpande. Alyque was attracted to the play for its own quality, eminently castable roles, and constantly entertaining drama.