The episode opens in the 1980s, in a small town in India, where we meet Rajaram, a young and ambitious writer. He is a simple man with big dreams—his greatest aspiration is to become a celebrated author, writing meaningful and thought-provoking literature. He is deeply passionate about storytelling and believes that words have the power to inspire people.
However, reality is quite different. Despite his dedication, Rajaram struggles to get his work published. He frequently visits publishing houses, carrying his handwritten manuscripts with high hopes. But each time, he faces rejection. The publishers dismiss his work, calling it too serious and lacking mass appeal.
Rajaram's financial situation is not great either. He lives in a modest house, dependent on small earnings, and constantly faces pressure from his family and society to find a "real" job instead of chasing his literary dreams.
The Harsh Reality: No One Wants Serious Literature
One day, Rajaram meets a big publisher in Delhi. He presents his latest manuscript, a novel filled with deep emotions, philosophical reflections, and social commentary. He believes this book will finally get him the recognition he deserves.
However, the publisher casually flips through the pages and quickly rejects it. He tells Rajaram that serious literature doesn't sell—people don't want to read about society's problems or deep emotions. Instead, they crave entertainment, excitement, and thrill.
Rajaram is heartbroken. His passion for writing is real, but if no one wants to read his work, how can he ever succeed?
A Friend's Advice: Write What People Want
Disheartened, Rajaram shares his frustration with his close friend Ved. Ved is a street-smart and humorous guy who understands what the common man wants. He tells Rajaram that if he wants to become a successful writer, he needs to give the audience what they demand.
According to Ved, people don't care about deep literature—they want romance, fantasy, and bold storytelling. He suggests that Rajaram try writing something spicy, sensual, and entertaining. At first, Rajaram is hesitant. He has always considered himself a serious writer, and writing something erotic feels beneath his standards.
But Ved insists, "If you want to be read, write what people want."
The First Inspiration: A Bold Encounter
Later, while traveling on a train, Rajaram has an unexpected experience that changes his perspective. He notices a young, beautiful woman in the compartment. She is wearing a traditional sari but carries a mysterious aura.
As the journey progresses, Rajaram observes her subtle gestures—the way she plays with her hair, the way her eyes glance around mischievously. She seems to enjoy the attention she gets from male passengers. Rajaram is fascinated by her confidence and boldness.
At one point, she briefly meets his gaze and smiles, making him feel nervous yet intrigued. For the first time, Rajaram sees a different side of human desire—something unspoken but powerful.
This experience sparks a thought in his mind—perhaps stories about such encounters would be more interesting than his usual serious writing.
The Birth of 'Mastram'
Back home, Rajaram sits at his desk, staring at a blank sheet of paper. He hesitates but then starts writing his first bold, sensual story, inspired by the woman from the train.
Unlike his previous work, this story is filled with passion, forbidden romance, and excitement. The words flow effortlessly, and he realizes that writing such stories is surprisingly enjoyable.
After finishing the story, he wonders if anyone would dare publish it. If his conservative society finds out, he could be judged harshly. To protect his identity, he decides to use a pseudonym: Mastram.
Mastram is not just a name—it's an alter ego, a persona that allows him to express a side of himself that he never acknowledged before.
First Success: The Publisher's Reaction
With hesitation, Rajaram approaches a small-time publisher who prints local magazines. Instead of presenting himself as Rajaram, the struggling writer, he introduces himself as Mastram and submits his story.
To his surprise, the publisher reads the story with great interest and immediately agrees to print it. He tells Rajaram that such content is exactly what the readers want, and if he continues writing in this style, he could make a lot of money.
For the first time, Rajaram experiences acceptance and success. His words, which were once ignored, now have an eager audience.
Moral Dilemma: Passion vs. Reputation
Despite the excitement of success, Rajaram feels a sense of guilt and inner conflict. He was raised in a traditional environment where writing such content is considered inappropriate. If his family or society finds out that he is writing erotic stories, he could face serious consequences.
However, he also realizes that this is his only chance to make a name for himself as a writer. He convinces himself that storytelling is an art, and as long as people enjoy his work, there's nothing wrong with it.
His journey as Mastram has begun, and there's no turning back.
Ending Scene: A New Path Begins
The episode ends with Rajaram walking through the busy streets, holding a copy of the magazine where his story is published. He watches people secretly reading it, smiling to themselves.
A mix of emotions runs through him—fear, excitement, pride, and anticipation.
He knows that his life is about to change forever.
Conclusion: The Start of a Controversial Journey
The first episode of Mastram sets the foundation for Rajaram's transformation from an aspiring, struggling writer to the mysterious and legendary author of bold stories. It explores the conflict between art and morality, ambition and societal norms, creativity and commercial success.
Rajaram's journey as Mastram is not just about writing adult content—it's about discovering his true self and pushing the boundaries of literature in a conservative society.