The Empire review: Kunal Kapoor, Dino Morea, Shabana Azmi bring Babur’s saga to life
The Empire, starring Dino Morea, Shabana Azmi, Dhristi Dhami and Kunal Kapoor, provides an image makeover to Zahiruddin Mohammad Babur, the most-maligned Mughals in India. Possibly second only to descendant Aurangzeb, whose Moti Masjid in Lahore Fort, ties him firmly in Pakistan for the Hindu right-wing.
The first season of the 8-episode web series The Empire, helmed by Mitakshara Kumar and created by Nikhil Advani, is heavy with detail and purport to hold attention for the lay viewer. But a historyphile will have reason to replay quite a few scenes.
The Empire, starring Dino Morea, Shabana Azmi, Dhristi Dhami and Kunal Kapoor, provides an image makeover to Zahiruddin Mohammad Babur, one of the most-maligned Mughals in India. Possibly second only to descendant Aurangzeb, whose Moti Masjid in the Lahore Fort, ties him firmly in Pakistan for the Hindu right-wing.
The web series is currently streaming on Disney+Hotstar.
Based on Alex Rutherford’s historical fiction Empire of the Moghul: Raiders From The North, the series captures the life of Babur who believed his destiny was to form an empire in India. Most of us know the basic bits that Babur was merely 14 when his father died leaving him the kingdom of Ferghana.
His biggest hurdle is Shaybani Khan (Dino Morea), a rival claimant for Ferghana and the neighbouring Samarkand, who occupies the throne. Khan even exploits Babur’s sister, Khanzada Begum (Drashti Dhami), in a sexual arrangement. But the twist in the story reveals that both Khanzada and Babur’s paternal grandmother Aisan Daulat Begum (Shabana Azmi), two powerful women, plotted this tale for Babur’s benefit.
With the guidance of his grandmother and the bravery of his trusted lieutenant, Wazir Khan (Rahul Dev), Babur defeats Ibrahim Lodhi in the First Battle of Panipat and wins the throne of Delhi, laying the foundation for the Mughal empire in India.
The series delves into hard, gritty life which lay the groundwork for the Mughal Empire, beyond the idolized love yarn of Salim and Anarkali and Jodha and Akbar’s match to tie-up martial pacts. Mitakshara Kumar and writer Bhavani Iyer look beyond the romanticised idea of Mughals that Hindi cinema has peddled since times immemorial, possibly because cinema verite and the Mughals cannot exist in the same frame. Reality is indeed harsh, for Babur, the forbear of the Mughal dynasty, is not an easy man, he is harsh verging on the barbaric. As opposed to the charm and erudition of the illliterate Akbar and his storeyed court and Shah Jehan’s peacock throne.
The story is of Babur, a young noble trying to claim Samarkand in the face of danger, enemies, his family, especially his sister, her sacrifices and bravery and this entire family’s back and forth with the nemesis, Shaybani Khan. This team of directors and producers have tried something really out of the box and have done a commendable job.
The actors may not be perfect but they are close. In fact, Dino Morea as Shaybani Khan is awesome as is Drashti Dhami. Veteran Shabana Azmi as Aisan Daulat Begum and Rahul Dev as Wazir Khan don’t keep a step awry. Kunal Kapoor doesn’t disappoint as Babur.
Other actors in supporting roles have done a commendable job. Almost all the characters are very well written and the dark shades of some are convincing.
Among the big takeaways is the breathtaking visuals. The special effects are pretty good, even much better than high-budget films like Thugs of Hindostan, for instance. Cinematography is beautiful in most of the places and it’s hard to take your eyes off the phone. Accuracy of costumes and jewelleries is spot on.
Overall, the show is a very good venture. It may not be consistently satisfying but thanks to strong performances from Dino Morea, Shabana Azmi, Kunal Kapoor and Drashti Dhami, the period drama sets up a strong foundation for a second season.
Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning
After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.
Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.
Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.
The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.
His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.
After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.
The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.
DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity
DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.
The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.
According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.
DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity
In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.
The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.
Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions
The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.
The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.
Congress rejects allegations
Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.
The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.
Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22
Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.
Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.
According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.
Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.
Career across television, OTT and films
Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.
The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.
Last social media post draws attention
Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.
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