Lipstick Under My Burkha 2017

In the heart of a quaint Bhopal neighborhood, the intricate lives of its residents unfold, beautifully interwoven through the reflective lens of 55-year-old widow Usha Parmar. As she dives into the erotic pages of Lipstick Dreams, the captivating tale mirrors her own bittersweet journey filled with nostalgia and resurfacing memories, as well as those of her neighbors.

Rehana Abidi, an ambitious college freshman, balances her dual life of sewing burkhas for her family’s store while secretly transforming into a vibrant singer who adores Miley Cyrus. Her dreams resonate with those of Leela, a young beautician passionately running her own parlor, who aspires to travel the globe with her hidden love, Arshad, the owner of a modest photo studio. Leela’s entrepreneurial spirit shines brightly as she seeks to gain international opportunities through lucrative wedding packages.

Amidst this rich tapestry, we also find Shirin Aslam, a burkha-clad housewife, struggling with the weight of her domestic duties and her job as a door-to-door saleswoman. Her attempts to navigate her life in secrecy are driven by her controlling husband, Rahim, as she desperately tries to manage her reproductive health with emergency contraceptives and clandestine measures.

As Rehana pursues her passion for music, her talent catches the eye of Dhruv, the drummer of a local band, only to face rejection from Namrata, the lead singer. However, her fierce spirit remains unbroken as she bravely voices her opinions about women’s empowerment during a protest against the ban on jeans. Her world is electrified when Namrata invites her to a lavish weekend party, leading Rehana to daringly steal a dream outfit to wear at the event.

Usha steps in to arrange Leela’s marriage to Manoj at the request of her financially-strapped mother, triggering a cascade of life-altering events for these women living at the fringes. As Leela anticipates her impending wedding, a sudden blackout sets a romantic backdrop for an unexpected moment with Arshad. This encounter is recorded—a bold act that sends ripples through their lives. Usha, witnessing the indiscretion, chastises Leela for jeopardizing their reputation, yet conceals a shocking truth herself: she moonlights as a nude model for art students, a stark contrast to her demure suburban image.

Usha’s days are filled with swimming lessons alongside a flirtatious bond with her instructor, Jaspal, who inadvertently reveals knowledge of her true identity. This revelation ignites a sense of vulnerability and intrigue within her. As their relationship evolves, Usha, under the guise of “Rosy,” embarks on a cheeky phone sex adventure with Jaspal—unbeknownst to him, he’s engaging with the intriguing widow.

Simultaneously, Shireen faces a health crisis, receiving a disturbing diagnosis that compels her to procure condoms for birth control. Yet, Rahim remains stubborn, unwilling to shift his ways, further complicating her life.

As Rehana’s engagement in the house party leads to unexpected romantic exploration, her protest against the jeans ban lands her in handcuffs. However, quick thinking yields leniency from her father. This pivotal day sees Rehana surrounded by complicated relationships, such as when Leela, amidst turmoil, attempts to convince Arshad of their shared desire to run away together, only to be met with resistance.

As the festive season approaches, Usha nerves herself to invite Jaspal to the community’s Diwali celebrations. The intertwining romances and hidden truths come to a head, notably when Leela audaciously kisses Manoj at the festival to spite Arshad, igniting a series of confrontations and reconciliations.

The festival serves as a backdrop to the unraveling relationships. Leela’s engagement crumbles when Manoj discovers the truth about her past with Arshad, leading to a bitter fallout.

In a striking turn of events, Rehana is abruptly pulled back into reality when law enforcement closes in on her and Dhruv at the festival. The culmination of secrets, betrayals, and revelations threatens to bury these women’s aspirations under the weight of societal expectations. As Rahim’s menacing behavior looms over Shireen, who discovers the truth behind her husband’s dual life, she must confront her own emotions and seek a sense of empowerment in her career.

As hope flickers, Usha embarks on a transformative journey, shedding her inhibitions and revitalizing her spirit with Leela’s support. Yet when this newfound confidence leads to adversity involving Jaspal, it drives Usha into the arms of her supportive neighbors—Rehana, Leela, and Shireen—offering solace amid their collective struggles. Together, they share a moment of camaraderie as they yearn for freedom from the constraining expectations of their lives, showcasing the resilience of the female spirit against adversities.