One of the most compelling aspects of "Ek Thi Begum" is its claim to be "inspired by true events". The series is reportedly based on a chapter from S. Hussain Zaidi's non-fiction book, Mafia Queens of Mumbai , a collection of stories about women involved in the city's criminal underbelly. The series was originally conceptualized as a film titled Sapna Didi , which was to be directed by Vishal Bhardwaj.