The new bandit queen

Remember Phoolan Devi, the bandit queen? This feared bandit-turned-politician was murdered in 2001 but not before her fame had been told to the world by the acclaimed director Shekhar Kapur in the movie ‘Bandit Queen’.

This low-caste woman had a rough childhood, married young and then became a widow very early. She was raped and faced many other difficulties in her life. To overcome all her problems, she created a gang of bandits and killed all her tormentors. She then successfully switched careers into politics before being gunned down in 2001.

Now, we have another dacoit coming fast in the heels of the original bandit queen.

Step forward reformed bandit Seema Parihar. She too is now setting aside her guns to enter the reel world of Bollywood. Her life story is also as tragic as the original bandit queen’s – kidnapped at the age of 13, and then went on to loot, murder and abduct people until 2000 when she finally surrendered to police.

Now, the 35-year-old former bandit - who is out on bail accused of around 30 cases of murder, robbery and kidnapping - says she wants the world to know her story. Her movie is titled "Wounded" and due for release later this year.

What next for Seema then? A political career beckoning? After that I hope she doesn’t tragically end up dead like Phoolan Devi.

Or alternatively she can just sweep the world with her acting talents. After all, the director of the movie calls her a “gorgeous heroine”.