Razia Sultan is a landmark Indian historical drama that aired on &TV in 2015. Produced by Swastik Pictures, this ambitious period saga tells the powerful story of Razia Sultan—the first and only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. Introducing this groundbreaking female monarch, the show blends gripping court intrigue, royal duty, and personal resolve, narrated by Shah Rukh Khan in the iconic role of Sutradhar.
Here’s a structured overview, followed by a detailed dive into the cast, airing schedule, storyline, and cultural significance.
Overview
| Item | Details |
| Title | Razia Sultan |
| Channel | &TV |
| Original Run | 2 March 2015 – 23 October 2015 (Mon–Fri evenings) |
| Genre | Historical Drama / Women’s Empowerment |
| Episodes | 170 episodes, approx. 22 minutes each |
| Creator / Producer | Siddharth Kumar Tewary, Gayatri Gill Tewary, Rahul Kumar Tewary (Swastik Pictures) |
| Director(s) | Mukesh Kumar Singh, Arif Ali Ansari, Hasnain Haiderabadwala, Manish Singh, Kamal Monga |
| Key Cast | Pankhuri Awasthy (Razia), Rohit Purohit (Altunia), Saurabh Pandey (Yaqut), Sooraj Thapar (Iltutmish), Seema Kapoor (Shamshad Begum), Sambhavna Seth (Shah Turkan) |
| Narrator | Shah Rukh Khan as Sutradhar |
| Theme Song | “Mere Maula” sung by Supriya Joshi |
| Airing Timing | Monday–Friday at 7:30 PM |
Cast & Characters
- Pankhuri Awasthy Rode portrays Razia Sultan, a visionary ruler who rises above gender constraints to rule Delhi with wisdom and courage.
- Rohit Purohit plays Ikhtiyar ud-din Malik Altunia, the ruler of Bathinda and eventual ally, companion, and husband of Razia.
- Saurabh Pandey is Jamal-ud-Din Yaqut, Razia’s loyal friend and trusted confidant.
- Sooraj Thapar enacts Sultan Iltutmish, Razia’s father—the ruler who recognizes her leadership over his own sons.
- Seema Kapoor portrays Shamshad Begum, the conservative harem matriarch who opposes Razia’s rise.
- Sambhavna Seth appears as Shah Turkan, a scheming courtier who ambitions to see her own son toast to the throne.
These characters form the dramatic core of Razia’s court—layered with alliances, betrayal, and ambition.
Broadcast Timing & Format
The show premiered on 2 March 2015, airing Monday to Friday at 7:30 PM—a prime-time slot for daily historical drama. Over its 170-episode run, it ran till 23 October 2015, delivering close to eight months of regal storytelling.
Story & Themes
At its heart, Razia Sultan chronicles the rise and reign of a fearless queen:
- Breaking convention: Sultan Iltutmish, impressed by Razia’s administrative acumen, nominates her over his sons—setting the stage for contentious politics.
- Political intrigue: Razia navigates palace machinations fueled by nobles, including her adversaries—Shah Turkan and Shamshad Begum—who view a female sultan as a threat.
- Empowerment and empathy: From freeing slaves to establishing her non-traditional alliances, Razia’s reign reflects compassion balanced with strength.
- Dramatic tone: The show opens with a modern-day perspective narrated by Shah Rukh Khan, transporting viewers back to the 13th century—making the legend accessible yet epic.
Overall, it taps into themes of gender equality, progressive leadership, loyalty, and resistance against patriarchal norms—all while wearing lavish period costumes.
Production & Creative Craft
- Swastik Pictures produced the series under the stewardship of Siddharth Kumar Tewary and team, known for their ambition in historical programming.
- The narration by Shah Rukh Khan added an immediate grandeur and narrative flourish that elevated the show’s appeal.
- The theme song “Mere Maula”, sung by Supriya Joshi, became an emotional emblem of the show.
- The lavish sets were designed by Omung Kumar, same designer behind their epic Mahabharat, ensuring authenticity and grandeur.
Reception & Legacy
- Critics praised the show for highlighting women’s empowerment, with Razia’s journey symbolic for modern female agency.
- Reviews celebrated Pankhuri’s compelling performance, Sooraj Thapar’s regal presence, and the show’s production values—though some questioned historical accuracy.
- Fan discussions online remember the show fondly—especially its music, costumes, and Razia’s character depth.
Why Razia Sultan Still Matters
- A feminist epic on TV: A rare female-centric ruler drama with depth and emotional nuance.
- Narrative boldness: Launching with a big personality like Shah Rukh Khan as narrator set a high bar.
- Visual flair: Royal sets, costumes, and music made every episode feel cinematic.
- Cultural resonance: Razia remains an iconic historical figure; the serial created modern relevance through storytelling.
Conclusion
Razia Sultan stands tall as a compelling chapter in Indian television—combining royal spectacle, emotional humanism, and social commentary under a female rule narrative. Featuring bold casting, opulent production, and a stirring theme, it remains a notable saga for viewers who seek empowering historical drama.
