MUMBAI: Basking in the success of Paan Singh Tomar, Tigmanshu Dhulia is all set to make a biopic set in medieval times on Begum Joanna Nobilis Sombre (1753-1836), popularly known as Begum Samru.

Samru, who started off as a nautch girl in 18th century India, eventually became the ruler of Sardhana, a place near Meerut. Interestingly, Rani Mukerji has been signed to play the role.

It is interesting to note that Samru played a critical role in the political struggle in 18th and 19th century India. She was the head of a professionally trained mercenary army, inherited from her European husband Walter Reinhardt Sombre. This army consisted of Europeans and Indians.

Significantly, Begum Samru is also regarded as the only Catholic Ruler in India. She died immensely rich at the age of 90. Her inheritance was assessed as approximately 55.5 million Gold Mark in 1923 and 18 billion Deutsch Mark in 1953.

The project is set to hit the floors sometime later this year.