Representation of courtesans in movies

Sanjay Leela Bhansali`s upcoming series `Heeramandi` portrays the lives of courtesans. Here are some of the iconic courtesans featured in Hindi films

Pakeezah

The film explores themes of love, societal expectations, and the struggles faced by the courtesan, creating a poignant narrative

GanguBai Kathiawadi

The representation of the courtesan in the film transcends stereotypes, offering a nuanced and empowering portrayal of a woman

Umrao Jaan

It depicts the life of a courtesan, played by Rekha, who is trained in classical arts and poetry. The film explores her journey of love, loss, and expectations

Devdas

Chandramukhi, a courtesan, is depicted as a selfless and compassionate woman who falls in love with the protagonist, Devdas

Mughal-E-Azam

The film revolves around the forbidden love between courtesan Anarkali and Salim, set against the backdrop of the Mughal era

Sharafat

The movie explores the story of a courtesan, played by Hema Malini, who faces societal judgments and challenges due to her profession

Begum Jaan

The revolves around the life of a group of courtesans and their struggle to protect their home from political upheavals