Bollywood has always been a medium for rich storytelling, and it has portrayed the lives of Tawaifs, or courtesans, in diverse ways—from the opulent and cultured to the gritty and realistic.
During the Mughal era, Tawaifs were skilled performers of dance and music, entertaining the elite-class men. Unlike the stigma often attached to sex workers, these courtesans earned respect for their talents and cultural contributions. Highly respected people even taxed them, acknowledging their unique role in society. Seen as symbols of grace and independence Tawaifs held a significant place in history, embodying a powerful, early form of feminism.
Now, let’s explore how Bollywood has shown the lives of Tawaifs in their movies over the years.
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s latest Netflix series, ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,’ has sparked mixed reactions. The series portrays Tawaifs as strong and influential women, but critics argue it still leans on stereotypical glamorization and centers too much on the theme of “falling for powerful men.”
In this video, you will witness much more about Raani behavior and glimpse of Mallikajaan epic reply:
Umrao Jaan
Set in the 1800s, the 1981 movie Umrao Jaan stars Rekha as a courtesan who is kidnapped and sold to a brothel in Lucknow, where she learns to captivate men with her graceful dance. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan revived this role in 2006, portraying a similar story.
This video captures young Umrao Jaan’s innocence as she is taken to the brothel for the first time, with the lyrics expressing her inner turmoil and emotions.
Devdas
Madhuri Dixit played Chandramukhi, a Tawaif, in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas. Her grace and beauty captivated audiences, and her portrayal as a wise and independent woman made her stand out. In fact, her strong performance provided tough competition to Aishwarya Rai’s role as Paro.
In this video, you’ll see Chandramukhi’s elegance and strength as she meets Paro for the first time and shares insights about their personal lives.
Begum Jaan
Begum Jaan is a period film that tells the story of eleven prostitutes and receives praise as one of the most raw and realistic portrayals of Tawaifs. Vidya Balan and Pallavi Sharda deliver strong performances, showcasing the feminist spirit often associated with Tawaifs.
In this video, you’ll witness the bold character of Begum Jaan, played by Vidya Balan, highlighting the powerful and authentic representation of Tawaifs in cinema.
Mughal-E-Azam and Pakeezah
Black-and-white classics like Mughal-E-Azam and Pakeezah shine for their portrayals of courtesans. Madhubala and Meena Kumari captured the grace and elegance of real historical figures, while also highlighting the societal stigma they faced.
In this video, you’ll see the beauty of Madhubala and Meena Kumari. Their performances as courtesans are often regarded as some of the best in film history.
Bollywood’s portrayal of Tawaifs has evolved significantly over the years, showcasing various aspects of their lives and roles. From glamorized images to more authentic and empowering representations, these portrayals offer insight into the shifting perspectives on Tawaifs in Indian cinema. This evolution reflects not only changes in storytelling but also a broader understanding of women’s complexities in society.
Mallika Sadhu is a journalist committed to revealing the raw, unfiltered truth. Mallika's work is grounded in a dedication to transparency and integrity, aiming to present clear and impactful stories that matter. Through comprehensive reporting and honest storytelling, she strives to contribute to provide narratives that genuinely inform and engage. When not dwelling in the world of journalism, she is immersed in the colors of her canvas and pages of her journal.
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