'In spite of Bheeshma's best efforts to console Shantanu..'
'..he could not get over his guilty conscience.'
'He handed over his sons from Satyavati..'
'..Chitrangada and Vichitravirya..'
'..to Bheeshma and died.'
'Bheeshma made Chitrangada the king..'
'..but he did not reign long and was killed..'
'..in battle with a Gandharva chief of the same name.'
'Then Bheeshma made Vichitravirya the king.'
'..with great pomp and show.'
Long live King Vichitravirya.
- My respects, Mother. - May you live long, Son.
Did you send for me, Mother?
Come, Bheeshma.
There's an important matter to discuss.
What's worrying you, Mother?
Take a seat.
Bheeshma, shouldn't Vichitravirya get married now..
..and add to the Kuru dynasty?
I was about to suggest the same, Mother.
What do you propose, then?
Three daughters of the King of Kashi.
Amba, Ambika and Ambalika will be choosing their husbands soon.
Take Vichitravirya there.
First, let's get their invitation.
It'll surely come.
Fine, Mother! I'll wait for it.
The moment it comes, I shall take him there.
Long Live the Kashi King.
'This is the royal court of Kashi.'
'Or shall we say, it's the court of Ambika, Ambalika and Amba's father..'
'..or it can even be said..'
'..to be the place where, Bheeshma's death was decided.'
'Whatever it may be called..'
'..but it's an important place in the history of Mahabharat.'
'Traditions born in the mist of history..'
'..will be slaughtered here today.'
Prime Minister!
I await your command, Sire.
Invite all the kings and princes in India..
..for my daughters to choose their husbands.
As you wish, Sire!
But don't send an invitation to Hastinapur.
May you live long, Sire, but..
Prime Minister, why this hesitation?
Only diplomacy, Sire.
I don't want the storm of Ganga's son, Bheeshma's arrows to reach Kashi.
So I am taking this liberty to suggest..
..that Kashi maintain its old ties with Hastinapur.
Just as Kashi's Princess Sunanda was married..
..to Emperor Bharat of Hastinapur.
So, too, it would be appropriate to invite..
..Hastinapur's king on this occasion as well.
Prime Minister, relations must change with time.
Each relationship has to end some day.
The relationship you mention ended that day..
..King Shantanu ridiculed the marriage proposal of our sister with Devavrata.
That wound of humiliation is still sore in my heart.
And today..
Today is the time to take revenge.
Hastinapur must not be invited at all.
That's an order!
As your Prime Minister. Sire! It's my duty..
..to warn you that to invite the wrath of Hastinapur..
..will prove suicidal for Kashi.
Insulting them will be harmful to us.
Prime Minister the warrior clan doesn't worry about such gain and loss.
They only care for their self esteem.
Which was hurt by King Shantanu of Hastinapur
I'll certainly take revenge.
Policy decrees that we can take revenge and yet be discreet.
How?
King, only the princesses will choose their husbands.
If they ignore Vichitravirya..
..then our revenge will be complete without us raising a finger.
They refused to accept your sister.
We'll refuse to accept their king.
He'll be publicly insulted in our court.
No, Prime Minister.
One who insulted us can't be our guest.
As you wish, King.
In any case, tit for tat is not always a good policy.
Making friends is more effective in politics.
Such diplomacy may suit you.
But for me insult calls for insult.
Hence, I again order you not to invite anyone from Hastinapur.
As you wish, King.
- It's a great insult. - Whatever anyone says it is.
- What is happening? - Yes.
- Let's speak to Guru. - Let him come.
- Now only the Guru can intervene. - But..
- Who'll ask? - Anything to be said..
King of Kashi should take decision.
Let the guru come.
Yes, I am also saying the same thing.
My regards, Guru.
What are you discussing in such hushed tones?
It's most insulting, Sir.
- For whom? - For Hastinapur, Guru.
- For our King as well. - In fact for all of us.
What happened? Who's insulted us?
Three daughters of Kashi King are to choose their husbands.
But he's not even invited Hastinapur's king.
Most insulting to us all, Guru.
Truly a grave insult.
Does Prince Bheeshma know about it?
We're not aware of it.
It's an insult to the Kuru dynasty.
I won't tolerate an insult to the Kuru dynasty.
Bheeshma, what happened?
You seem very upset!
Mother, it's a matter that enrages.
Kashi king's daughters are to choose their husbands.
Good.
We have old ties with Kashi.
Our King Bharat's queen, Sunanda was also from Kashi.
It's time anyway to extend our lineage through matrimonial alliance.
I had Kashi princesses, Amba, Ambika and Ambalika in mind, too.
Then what's the hitch?
King of Kashi.
He's forgotten that once he was proud of our friendship.
But today when he's giving away his daughters in marriage..
..he dares to ignore Hastinapur's king.
So what?
Ganga's son are these the only princesses in the country?
Yes, Mother!
If we tolerate this humiliation today..
..then we'll suffer loss of face before the entire country as well.
It's imperative that we bring these princesses to Hastinapur..
..and prove to the world that Vichitravirya..
..is a descendant of Emperor Bharat and a power to reckon with.
But how would you do it?
I'll go there and bring back the princesses.
If you're determined to go then take my blessings with you.
Ambe, do you share my thoughts?
What are you thinking, King of Shalva?
I was thinking that after the function tomorrow..
..our lives will be changed completely.
In what way?
No more secret meetings nor freedom to roam about.
Instead, only everlasting love..
..as pure as the waters of the Ganges.
It'll be love day in and day out. Like an unstoppable river.
On our wedding night when I'll lift your veil..
..it'll be like seeing a new moon a new Amba..
..delicate and pretty.
You'll be in my arms and we'll be in Heaven..
..dreaming of a bright future.
Dreams that will be heavenly existence for us two lovers.
'In the royal Kashi court all the kings, emperors..'
'..and princes and warriors..'
'..are present to win a bride for themselves.'
The three princesses, Amba..
..Ambalika and Ambika are entering the court.
Amba knows whom to garland.
You two also choose your grooms.
Prime Minister start the ceremony.
Certainly, King!
I announce the arrival of King Shalva.
Be seated, My Lord.
The Protector of Bharat's clan, Shantanu's son..
..unconquered warrior, Ganga's son, Bheeshma is arriving.
It seems Bheeshma has forgotten his vow in the face of beauty.
Why this urge to prove his youth at this age?
Such beauty can lure even saints leave alone a middle aged Prince.
It seems he was waiting for his father's death.
Queen Satyavati broke her wedding bangles and he his vow.
His vow was brittle as glass, too!
Attention!
It's an assembly for invitees alone!
I know!
Since they're guests, I've not cut their tongues.
I'm here to represent Hastinapur's King Vichitravirya.
For centuries Kurus have married Kashi Princesses.
It'll be so even today.
I'm taking the three Princesses to marry younger brother Vichitravirya.
By not inviting Hastinapur to the ceremony, you insulted us.
I forgive you for that!
Bheeshma, Princesses have a right to choose their husbands.
Not these Princesses!
Even if they had none of you is worthy of them.
Bheeshma, rein in your tongue.
I rein in only my horses.
As for you Shalva King had I not gifted life to you once..
..I'd have killed you for insulting me before this assembly.
I declare in this Court.
..that I've come to take away these Princesses and am doing so now!
Is there anyone to stop Bheeshma?
Permit the Princesses to Ieave, Kashi's King!
I was afraid this would happen, King.
Bheeshma.
Charioteer!
Turn the chariot!
Shalva King!
Yes, it's me!
But, this road doesn't lead to Shalva.
You're no warrior, Bheeshma.
You're an audacious wizard.
You didn't display valour in the Kashi court.
You displayed wizardry.
Now face my arrows.
Beware!
You're a great warrior, Shalva king.
We're not enemies.
I can't take away the life I gave you once.
So, go back.
I'm not here to show my back, Bheeshma.
I'm here to spare you your life.
I'll forgive you if you return to Hastinapur or lift your bow.
Beware.
Shalva king, I forgive you for this wound, too.
Go back while you can.
I'm not here to return, Bheeshma.
I've no dearth of arrows, Shalva King.
But I don't wish to take away the life I gave you once.
So, I pardon you again.
Charioteer, proceed to Hastinapur.
Prince is back, Queen Mother.
Is that so?
Yes, he's brought three Princesses who glow like a lamp's flame, too.
Congratulations for three lovely brides, Mother.
A mother's fond welcome, Son.
She's Amba.
She's Ambika.
She's Ambalika.
She's their maid.
Am I permitted to speak, Queen Mother?
Call me mother, Amba.
But my request is to the Queen Mother.
Go on.
Before mighty warrior Ganga's son, Bheeshma came to Kashi..
..I'd accepted Shalva king as my husband, Queen Mother.
Why didn't you tell me this then, Princess?
Fear, son of Ganga.
I was scared of you.
Then Amba can't marry Vichitravirya, Mother.
You're right, Bheeshma.
Don't despair, Princess.
We'll send you back to Shalva king with respect.
You've my blessings, Amba.
Queen Mother!
"With great pride and honour the jewel princess merrily departs."
"Full of hope to meet her lover. And full of happy dreams."
Bheeshma gave me a new life and now he's given you to me.
Amba, we'll name our first son after him, Devavrata.
Certainly, son of Arya.
You know when I told the Queen Mother..
..that even before Bheeshma arrived in Kashi.
I'd accepted you as my husband.
He shuddered.
I knew then. That our union was assured.
Princess, you're now entering the Shalva's territory.
Tell Bheeshma..
..that I don't take it back in charity, once I've lost something.
Inform him that by sending you back here, he's insulted me.
When Ganga's son, Bheeshma learnt that I love you..
..he himself sent me back to you.
Bheeshma defeated all of us and won you.
Hence, you belong to him.
It's the warrior's code of conduct.
Shalva King when I was to choose my groom he was there.
But the choice was mine.
Only I could choose my life partner.
I'm not a kingdom that could be won or Iost in a battle..
..or gifted away in charity.
Prior to Ganga's son, Bheeshma's arrival in Kashi..
..I'd already chosen you as my husband.
I'm grateful to you for this honour, Princess..
..but you'll have to go back to Bheeshma.
By sending you here he's insulted me and humiliated you as well.
Let the Princess come in!
Long live the Hastinapur King!
I'm here to seek justice, King.
You'll surely get it, Princess.
King, after defeating, all the kings..
..and princes, Bheeshma won me.
But, I was committed to marry the King of Shalva..
So you sent me back to him.
But he refused to accept me in charity.
I'll send, my army to avenge this humiliation.
But, what has the King of Shalva done, King?
Why should Hastinapur's army invade his kingdom?
I've been insulted by Ganga's son, Bheeshma!
You can't be serious, Princess?
Bheeshma can never insult anybody.
I'm not talking about anybody, King.
I'm talking about myself.
I'm the one who was insulted.
Hence, only I can tell who insulted me.
I was insulted by Ganga's son, Bheeshma.
If he hadn't sent me back to Shalva..
..then I wouldn't have been insulted.
So, I beg you to order Ganga's son, Bheeshma..
..to perform his duty as a true warrior by accepting me as his wife.
May you live long, King.
I'm bound by my oath.
I can't marry.
Then why did you bring me here?
I'd announced in Kashi that I was only representing Hastinapur there.
I was abducted, King, just when I was about to choose my husband.
My sisters have accepted you as a husband.
But I haven't.
I wish to choose, Bheeshma as my husband!
It isn't possible, Princess.
Why not?
Because I'm pledged to celibacy.
Learn to beware of a wounded female serpent, a wounded tigress..
..and a woman scorned, Ganga's son.
You're bound by your oath which forbids you to restore me my lost honour.
So, in this Kuru court..
..with Hastinapur's king as witness I take an oath, too.
Ganga's son, Bheeshma I'll never forgive you for this insult, even if..
..I've to be born again and again to take my revenge.
One day I'll be the cause of your death and I'll certainly take my revenge.
"She was like an angry serpent."
"In a beautiful forest."
"None could be blamed for this.."
"..but deadly deeds of destiny."
'Kashi Princess, Amba left to seek her revenge.'
'She'll certainly take her revenge.'
'But when and where?'
'As yet I alone know.'
'But when this great human epic reaches that stage..'
'..I'll tell you all about it.'
'Right now Hastinapur feels secure.'
'King Vichitravirya has married Ambalika and Ambika with pomp and show.'
'Since the kingdom is being Iooked after by wise and learned Bheeshma.'
'Vichitravirya spends all his time with his two queens.'
Sire?
What's wrong, Sire?
Sire?
Sire? Sire?
- What's wrong, Sire? - Sire?
What wrong? What's wrong, Sire?
What's wrong?
- What's wrong? - Sire?
- Mother, dear! - Mother.
Sire? Sire?
- What's wrong, Sire? - Sire?
Sire?
- Mother, dear! - Mother, dear!
Mother, dear!
Son?
What's happened, Son?
Vichitra.
What's wrong?
What happened?
Son?
Is anyone there? Call the royal physician.
May he live long!
Give him the holy water of the Ganges.
"The light of the Kuru clan.."
"..was extinguished long before its time."
"Leaving the 'Throne' empty."
"And the royal palace deserted."
Mother.
Get a hold on yourself.
I'm trying, Son.
But today, Satyavati finds herself unable to face the truth.
I feel lonely and helpless.
Truth doesn't make you helpless, Mother.
It does, Son.
It makes you very helpless.
You're not ambitious.
So you can't understand my helplessness.
I'd wished..
..my son would be the king of Hastinapur.
So I removed you from the throne.
The result?
Hastinapur's throne looks at me with accusing eyes.
It pleads, "Satyavati, give me my king."
Where do I find a king?
There's neither Chitrangada and Vichitravirya.
Nor did they leave any heirs.
I, Satyavati have fallen in my own estimation.
Fate doesn't work on willower, Mother.
Even had you not wished what you did, what was to be would be.
Time would have found some other way.
Mortals don't know what Fate has in store for them, Mother.
Hence, mortals are left feeling helpless in the face of joy and sorrow.
But what do I say to Hastinapur's throne?
Tell Hastinapur's throne to take its questions and ask them of Time.
As Time alone, has the answers to all questions.
But Son, you're bound by a promise to serve and protect..
..Hastinapur's throne, too.
Of course, Mother.
Then fulfil your promise, Son.
Is any enemy about to attack Hastinapur, Mother?
Yes.
The truth, Bheeshma is that the enemy has already attacked.
Who's that, Mother?
Your oath.
Mother!
Hadn't you promised your departed father..
..to serve and protect the Kuru clan?
How will you fulfil your oath if there are no Kurus left?
If the Kuru clan itself ceases to exist whom will you serve and protect?
After the death of my sons, Chitrangada and Vichitravirya..
..the Kuru clan is in fear of dying out..
..and only you can save it from being destroyed.
On the one hand is your oath and on the other is your promise.
You have to decide.
I don't understand, Mother.
Tradition demands, that you..
..marry Ambika and Ambalika and continue the Kuru lineage.
As your mother that is my order, too.
To obey you is my duty..
..but I am bound by my oath.
"Mother it is impossible to break the promise of Bhishma."
"Let the cool moonlight shine or the fire of the sun burn the Earth."