Before Heeramandi, 7 Bollywood films around the theme of courtesans 

Team OTTplay

 Feb 02, 2024

Pakeezah - Amazon Prime Video

Pakeezah deserves the first spot on the list. Meena Kumari did complete justice to her role and the phase ‘if looks could kill’

Sharafat - YouTube

Hema Malini and Dharmendra starrer Sharafat questioned society on why it doesn’t accept the courtesans in their lives

Sadhna - YouTube

BR Chopra directed 1958 film Sadhna gave Vyjayanthimala the character of her life. One of the most iconic roles in Bollywood

Mughal-e-Azam - ZEE5

If you haven’t watched this film, you should. Madhubala, Dilip Kumar and Prithviraj Kapoor give a true cinematic experience 

Umrao Jaan - YouTube

Rekha dancing to Dil Chiz Kya Hain is iconic. In this 1981 film, sold at a young age, she grows to be a courtesan named Umrao

Devdas - Jio Cinema

One of the best works of Sanjay Leela Bhansali starring Madhuri Dixit, Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai. Best of 2002!

Gangubai Kathiawadi - Netflix

Alia Bhatt starrer Gangubai Kathiawadi is based on the life of the brothel Madame known for fighting for the sex workers

Heeramandi: The Diamond  Bazaar

Taking the baton ahead, Bhansali shared the first look of his next big Bollywood film. Back to the classics, the old Bollywood era!