Secret Superstar 2017

Introduction of Insia

The story begins in Vadodara, Gujarat, where we are introduced to Insia, a talented high school girl with dreams of becoming a singer. She lives with her mother Najma, her younger brother Guddu, and her oppressive father, Farookh, who constantly belittles her aspirations.

Farookh's Oppression

Insia's passion for music is stifled by her father Farookh, who dismisses her dreams. This creates a tense family environment, leaving Insia's mother to support her silently while trying to keep the peace.

The Dream of the Music Contest

When Farookh is away on business, Insia seizes the opportunity to enter a local music contest with a prize of a laptop and internet access. Despite her mother's encouragement, she is unable to secure her father's permission to compete.

Najma's Gift

In a heartwarming gesture, Insia's mother Najma surprises her with a laptop, allowing her to pursue her passion for music. Overjoyed, Insia begins to explore YouTube as a platform to share her songs, captivating audiences through her anonymity.

The Emergence of 'Secret Superstar'

Clad in a Niqab, Insia uploads her first song under the alias 'Secret Superstar' and quickly garners attention. Her soulful voice captivates listeners and even attracts the interest of Shakti Kumar, a seasoned but abrasive music director.

Shakti's Invitation

Shakti Kumar invites Insia to Mumbai for a recording session, but she hesitates, influenced by the negative rumors she has heard about him. Her fear grows when she discovers a newspaper article revealing her identity as 'Secret Superstar'.

Consequences of Pursuit

The pressure of balancing her dreams and family expectations weighs heavily on Insia, leading to a decline in her school performance. This results in her father's violent outbursts, targeting both her and her mother.

The Threat of Arranged Marriage

Farookh announces plans for Insia to marry in Saudi Arabia, creating a sense of urgency in her life. Faced with losing her freedom, Insia seeks legal advice from a lawyer who once fought for Shakti Kumar, signaling her resolve to stand up for herself.

Journey to Mumbai

Finally deciding to take charge of her life, Insia agrees to go to Mumbai with Shakti. This marks a turning point in her pursuit of both artistic freedom and personal liberation as she steps into the music industry.

Recording Struggles

In Mumbai, Insia initially struggles to adapt to Shakti's music style, feeling disconnected from his vision. However, after recognizing his musical depth, she infuses her creativity into the project, leading to a fresh new version of the song.

Rising Fame

Insia's reworked song becomes a hit, skyrocketing her fame and leading to a nomination for the best female singer. Despite her success, she grapples with the mounting pressures from her family to conform to traditional expectations.

Conflict at Home

As fame beckons, Insia faces resistance from her mother regarding her plans to divorce her father. The stress peaks when Farookh intends to take the family to Saudi Arabia, pushing Insia to make critical choices about her future.

Deepening Connections

On the last day of school, Insia's bond with her classmate Chintan grows stronger, highlighting the emotional stakes of her impending departure. Their shared moments underscore the life she leaves behind as she pursues her dreams.

The Award Ceremony

During the climactic award ceremony, Insia is prepared to reveal her true identity. Though she doesn't win the award, the acknowledgment from the winner gives her the courage to publicly shed her alter ego 'Secret Superstar'.