But Phoolan's story began long before she became the Bandit Queen. Born into a poor family in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Phoolan had grown up with a fierce determination to survive. She had been forced to marry at a young age, but her husband had turned out to be cruel and abusive. Phoolan had eventually escaped, only to find herself at the mercy of her brother, who had tried to sell her into prostitution.
It was a hot summer evening in 1995 when Phoolan Devi, the notorious Bandit Queen of India, rode into the small town of Moth, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. With her trademark bandana and a fierce glint in her eye, Phoolan was on a mission to avenge her rival, Vijay Pal, who had tried to kill her in a shootout just a few days prior.
As she rode her motorcycle through the dusty streets, the locals couldn't help but stare. Some whispered stories of her bravery and cunning, while others spoke of her ruthlessness and violence. But one thing was certain: Phoolan Devi was a force to be reckoned with.