The History Of Heeramandi ✨️

In this video, I discuss the upcoming 8-part series by Sanjay Leela Bhansali: Heeramandi on Netflix! This upcoming show has no release date as yet (I will update you guys when it does) However, before the release of what I expect to be a fascinating show, I provide a context to this intriguing series and the following related topics:
1. The History of the REAL Heeramandi
2. The depiction of courtesans in Bollywood & iconic Bollywood Tawaif characters
3. Review of the book: The Dancing Girls of Lahore by Louise Brown
I include relevant excerpts from the book, so you guys have an idea of the writing style and topics discussed by the author. Heeramandi promises to be just as (if not more!) grand than Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s previous work. Hope you guys enjoy this video and let me know your expectations for the series in the comments below! Also, tell me, who was your favourite Tawaif character in Bollywood Film History?
#heeramandi #netflix #sanjayleelabhansali
CHAPTERS
PART 1
00:00 - 01:50 - Introduction: Heeramandi on Netflix
PART 2
01:52 - 04:23 - The History of the REAL Heeramandi
04:23 - 05:11 - What is a Tawaif?
PART 3
05:12 - 06:04 - The depiction of the courtesan in Bollywood films
CHARACTERS
06:06 - 09:24 - Madhubala as Mughal-E-Azam
09:25 - 10:08 - Meena Kumari in Pakeezah
10:09 - 10:56 - Rekha in Umrao Jaan (1981)
10:57 - 12:27 - Madhuri Dixit in Devdas
12:29 - 12:58 - Aishwariya Rai in Umrao Jaan (2006)
13:01 - 13:29 - Kiara Advani in Kalank
13:30 - 14:31 - Courtesans in early Hindi cinema
PART 4
14:32 - 17:17 - Book review: The Dancing Girls of Lahore by Louise Brown
PART 5
17:29 - END - Conclusion
#heeramandi #netflix #sanjayleelabhansali
VID CREDITS: DHARMA PRODUTIONS, BHANSALI PRODUCTIONS AND NETFLIX
MUSIC CREDITS: KZbin

[@DimaRakesah]

I have always been fascinated with different versions of courtesans. Throughout history they existed in a sort of in-between place within societies that often had strict expectations for women. Courtesans were not wives, but not simply prostitutes. It's so interesting the way we see them pop up in history all over the world, and the similarities. They are always well educated and learn classical arts, helping to spread and protect them. I really respect these women and love to explore their roles in society. Madhuri's speach in Devdas has always stuck with me. "Noble blood runs in us too" is so powerful. It goes to show that if society really was about bloodlines than the tawaifs would have been nobles as well. Society has always looked for ways to push down women who don't conform to the hierarchy.

[@thatgirltas]

❤️‍🩹🫶

[@Sam_Zan]

Indeed ! Courtesans were entertainers but not prostitutes. Historically the Tawaifs were considered very influential, powerful and educated members of the society. From Ancient period to the Mughal period, Courtesans and Tawaifs were respected and they even educated the rich and elite classes, even the royalty. Tawaifs represented the rich artistic culture that our India had. Unfortunately when the Britisher came they couldn't understand this culture and furthermore they considered this culture derogatoryand also it didn't align with their Christian morals. The Britishers stopped their activities and this led them towards prostitution to help them survive. They were clubbed with the prostitutes and their status was degraded. Tawaifs were an integral part of the society in Pre-British India. Even during the Pre-Independence time they fought against the Britishers, provided money (Because they were rich) and their Kothas were meeting point for the freedom fighters. It is quite unfortunate that we Indians couldn't protect this rich heritage.

[@Nyx--]

​@@Sam_Zan Perfectly said! ❤❤

[@shazilchaudhry4834]

Sanjay Lila Bhansali's Heeramandi is under knife "postmortem" kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3OUi61tacuXaZYsi=bLmS_i4A8_Yh-FR3

[@RaywatiXOXO2001]

Can’t wait for Heeramandi also I love the tawifs in Bollywood such as from old to new Bollywood movies. SLB is going to pull it off

[@thatgirltas]

Me too! I'm so excited - I am sure we are going to get some amazing music from Heeramandi on Netflix too! 🫶✨️

[@shazilchaudhry4834]

Sanjay Lila Bhansali's Heeramandi is under knife "postmortem" kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3OUi61tacuXaZYsi=bLmS_i4A8_Yh-FR3

[@yasminbokhari6054]

Sanjay leela Bansali can never fail in making a movie because he chooses such powerful subjects that every one can relate to . I am looking forward to seeing this serial. Bestest of best wishes to Sanjay Leela Bansali.❤❤❤❤❤

[@poulomi__hari]

Huge applause for Sanjeeda Sheikh to make it to a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film

[@itzkiki2947]

Yaa i love her since she used to come on star plus I don't know the tv serial name but i used to watch it like crazy

[@rimjhimkhandaker9832]

​@@itzkiki2947ek haseena thi

[@itzkiki2947]

@@rimjhimkhandaker9832 yaa thanks for remembering 💗

[@MsKnutbear]

Very nicely collected and presented info on Heeramandi and tawaifs. I read a book once, and it was about a tawaif/ courtesan, her struggles, her daughter's struggles post independence. Before britishers or even during their time tawaifs held a great power. More than princess and queens because they were literate in books, poems, art and even in politics of court. That is why prince or kings used to visit them because not only were they entertained but were also listened to and advised. Most of the courts had their resident tawaifs for these purposes. They were never sex workers. It was upto them if they wanted to engage or not. Which if occurred were mainly bcoz of love/crush etc. These women became mistress/ concubine. They were given money, respect. Tawaifs had their own school where poor people would leave their girls for some money. These girls would be trained and nurtured from childhood. There were tiers too. Top smart talented ones are only for kings, priness and nobles. Others were divided to diff customers based on their talents. Once independence happened kingdoms got abolished, these tawaifs had no jobs anymore. Some of them got into cinemas others bcoz of bad light brought by britishers went into as sex workers. The lady who wrote this book was infront of a name-sake king to secure a life for her daughter as a mistress otherwise she would be given into sex work. Before britishers who gave bad meaning to tawaifs/devadasis these women were all respected and revered. As you mentioned after lahore, Lucknow became hot spot for these courtesans who provided services to nawabs etc. Lucknow became a big hub for its art and culture during nawabs time.

[@shazilchaudhry4834]

Sanjay Lila Bhansali's Heeramandi is under knife "postmortem" kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3OUi61tacuXaZYsi=bLmS_i4A8_Yh-FR3

[@chellybeans]

Hey can you name the book??

[@woox007]

At last Moin Baig has been acknowledged as the writer. So looking forward to watching this. It will definitely be an Eureka moment for me.

[@thatgirltas]

💕🫶

[@yasminrodgers3681]

So happy for you Moin

[@Reincarnation111]

Mujra is a lovely dance style, based on Kathak which the Mughal had taken a fancy to, along with North India's sublimely beautiful classical music. The fusion of these two created an alluring genre. Our old films tastefully showed this. Their costumes and choreography were graceful and elegant. But later in the 60's it all changed and sadly mujra numbers were reduced to uncouth and even vulgar portrayals.

[@erinnmcnew9080]

What are your thoughts on how Madhuri's character in Kalank was portrayed? I personally loved the movie, but I recognize a lot of the characters were not fleshed out as they could be.

[@thatgirltas]

Her character was the best part of the film for me! Although her character did have those love & longing tropes associated with Tawaif characters, she was definitely the best part of the film for me - songs of the film were great too! ❤️‍🩹 🫶

[@strawberrykun6136]

So the British essentially killed courtesan culture?huh, it's unfortunate how we've lost so much of our culture due to colonisation, also unrelated, But you're stunning ♥️

[@Kathakathan11]

No they didn’t, kings lost power to keep such ladies

[@Kathakathan11]

And it wasn’t a good culture anyways

[@vaishnavimishra7250]

@@Kathakathan11 And proof do you’ve to back up for?

[@Kathakathan11]

@@vaishnavimishra7250 read baburnama to start with, then there are thousands of books to find reference from

[@Kathakathan11]

@@vaishnavimishra7250 about kings lost power, yes they did, what proof you want

[@deepalichitkulwar2993]

such a comprehensive and insightful narration of what Tawaif is and how bollywood depicted them in bad light. until i saw this video i didn’t know these ladies were such talented artists and held respectful position in the mughal courts.

[@mridulnafiul8670]

u missed Rani Mukerji as Heera in Mangal Pandey: The Rising

[@Anu-hx1bd]

The research is well done. Underatted video!

[@jasreenkaur5771]

Thank you for sharing plthora of information in such a concise and interactive manner.

[@thatgirltas]

Thank you for this comment & thank you for watching! 🤍

[@neogidevaki]

Thank you for presenting in such brief manner but giving a deep insight into the meaning and sources that inspired the film - usually all film reviews is only about the film. I am really glad to bump into this and learn the history of heeramandi albeit as brief as it should be but enough to inspire to read the book, appreciate the recap of Bollywood films that contributed to India’s culture and history.

[@arehoneb]

I loved how Kalank explored a little bit of this, I can't wait to watch

[@thatgirltas]

❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹🫶

[@adeleaslan8182]

This account is painfully underrated

[@thatgirltas]

🥹🫂🫶

[@ellpole7]

YES! I’m literally so glad I found it!!

[@thatgirltas]

Also, nb the following background visuals from tiktok account @ lixlenna : @ 5:29 - 5:36 a madhuri edit, and @ 13:01 -13:07 a kiara advani edit and an umrao jaan edit @ 12:48 - 13:00 ❤️‍🩹

[@lixlenna]

thank you!!

[@lindaseljimi6261]

Thank you for the book suggestion! ❤

[@drishteejohar7466]

I love this so much! Instant subscribe

[@Tina13030]

Too excited to watch 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@rehanrassi9410]

the book is great!! surprisingly she has talked about a lot of the top pakistani stars, but of course they were not named. Most of the pakistani top stars are 90% from heera mandi. I woudl not be surprised if we have cousins in heera mandi. Even i was told i have a few cousins in heera mandi but not sure how true that is. My uncles were quite "active" in heera mandi. i wish the pakistani actress would open up and tell about her story from heera mandi but they are all very private and secretive.

[@sayantaniist]

Wow.. learnt a lot.. tysm for those informations 😊

[@ridar5481]

Highly Informative and well-compiled video! Well-done

[@ksheerhomebake1715]

Very good research,keep it up 💯

[@remyahari1922]

One Sanjay Leela Bhansaali is 1000 bollywoods!

[@nadhiasaleh9426]

Brilliant, thank you for creating this

[@thatgirltas]

So happy you enjoyed it! ❤️‍🩹

[@nazmunsawyer3382]

Waiting to see the movie heeramandi which be very exciting l like the history of this movies

[@nyasha3416]

Just watched it it’s amazing!!!!!

[@pramilashivabasappa7643]

Beautiful vlog👏

[@mahnazzuberi6081]

Nice narration, also adding Gungubai...movie of a courtesan could be done. Another well made production.

[@LizetVargas-ly3kf]

I love how she relates a lot of information about the Heeramandi's Topics... great job! nice contribution!

[@shazilchaudhry4834]

Sanjay Lila Bhansali's Heeramandi is under knife "postmortem" kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3OUi61tacuXaZYsi=bLmS_i4A8_Yh-FR3

[@onlyren563]

Nice vid thanks for explanation ❤

[@bdblinklalisa414]

There was a film by Srijeet Mukherjee named Rajkahini, Similar to this web series. I think the story is inspired from there.

[@jayapatil6869]

Well explained 👍

[@deepikarao8694]

I hoping that you would also mention ram teri ganga maili...where the role of tawaif wasnt romanticized but was simply given to us as ugly.

[@desidharsh]

This is gonna be awesome 😭🤌

[@thatgirltas]

Im so excited for it! 😩🤌

[@Arya-cs7kj]

Great vedio! I was misled by the confusing portrayal of courtesans in Hindi films all these years. I mean they h've (majorly) been portrayed as prostitute/kothewali nd less as an artist/tawaif.

[@vvvv6586]

Wonderful Video

[@GBP-bh4pr]

SLB being the great director he is, portrays even the ugly part of society in a very beautiful, subtle way & keeps the audience enthralled & captivated. This series will be as much exciting with all the beautiful, very talented women he has chosen but the reality could have been much darker. After watching Gangubai Kathiawari, I wondered how the real Kamathipura must be? I dug up websites & I was just crushed at the plight of those forced to work as prostitutes. I was so devastated! 16 year old children….I try not to think but just the societal imbalance…is heart wrenching!!!

[@Vanessavvy]

I have learned more from your video than any chapter of Nat Geo jejeje in love with your channel

[@thatgirltas]

thank you!💞

[@g.d.tharanga3712]

Excellent dubing. Please continue .

[@shreyaschawathey3820]

The description at 4:40 is excellent. Tawaifs were never prostitutes. They lost their patronage due to the Brits and some of them turned to sex work which is another unfortunate consequence of British Raj

[@user-gd4wt6oi7y]

Courtesan culture was very refined with highly intelligent women in creative music poetry and their beauty which sets off culture of discreet mistresses of same likd minded patrons who enjoyed their company and kept them in luxuries bestowing largesse on them, again it was muslims who were always very generous to their women followed by sikh maharajas and hindus very few, they had straight sex trades built ,courtesan culture primarily was created by muslims and it was never clear whether sex was involved or not but that level of urdu muslim culutre was too well bred to give it a name.

[@Kathakathan11]

Then you don’t know the history of Indian maharajas, your bias won’t change the history

[@rupa1027]

Amrapali acted by Baijayantimala is not mentionef😮

[@arehoneb]

Back here after watching the series.

[@ask2710]

Does Mastani not fall into this category? I was surprised to not see a mention of her portrayal in this, but I might be wrong about her characterisation.

[@thatgirltas]

Heyy i think she was from some royal line as well - there was a song in the film that had influence of tawaif culture, but her character & her history/legend was of a royal line, not from any kotha (from my memory) i considered including her but decided not too because she was technically not a tawaif from the start of the film ❤️‍🩹

[@Subhab2826]

Mastani was a princess.

[@Kathakathan11]

She was illegitimate child, so not a royal by the rule book

[@reyaroy4236]

What's the difference between Tawaif and Devdasi?

[@amandasmith841]

Absolutely beautiful women ❤🎉xx

[@simranphadnis4081]

love this video! but why wasn’t gangubai included?

[@apsaralalitha]

Alia Bhatt characterisation in Gangubai is powerful & brilliant! 💃🏻🌹

[@Arya-cs7kj]

Did you even watch the vedio? Gangubai was prostitute not Tawaif.

[@Kathakathan11]

Because that is a prostitute and not a courtesan., Actually bath are same, but they are glorifying them here calling them courtesan 😂

[@gonepast]

Isn't the history of "Tawaifs" is very similar to "Geishas" in Japan?

[@bijayrauniyar9615]

Gangubai Kathiyawadi n one film by Bidya Balen protecting the Kotha in the midpath

[@Saliah-Begum]

It’s a story of thawife a hidden secret all men possibly want a second relationship.

[@pjoshi7758]

Yahi sab dikha kr pictures hit hoti hai

[@vaishnavimishra7250]

Not Lahore but Delhi was the capital in the Mughal Empire.

[@Kathakathan11]

Lahore was too

[@vork5199]

Lahore, delhi, agra, fatehpur sikri was the capital of mughal empire. At the time of Akbar agra is capital. he shifted capital to fatehpur sikri. At the time of jhangir capital transfer to agra again. At the time of shahjahan capital transfer to delhi.

[@user-bw7ew3bx7s]

Rekha flims me honi chahiye thi

[@maeshamahmud6347]

just found your chanel and im OBSSESSED, I can finally learn more about south asian cultures I feel so white washed :,)

[@thatgirltas]

Im so happy you are here 🫶 thank you for watching & this kind comment! So happy you enjoyed the video 🤍

[@ariesaraya1822]

I wish they would delve into tawaifs and lesbianness. Alot of tawaifs turned to female relationships rather than hoping to be wed to a noble man. But in bollywood heterosexual marriage seems to be the end goal. Heeramandi had a chance to do that but they went the typical route as usual.

[@MaBharatvarsh]

And the classy depiction stopped after Umrao jaan. After that it appeared more artificial and plastic doll Aish killed it totally with her cap that clearly looked a cardboard piece. 😂

[@Hiromi_SUgata]

Pls use a burnoil