Divya
Alia Bhatt’s upcoming 2020 film Gangubai Kathiawadi is based on real life events of the underworld Mafia Queen Gangubai Harjivandas. This film is Alia Bhatt’s first collaboration with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and we can’t wait to set foot into the reel world of this strong personna.
But before we grab hold of the film which is said to release this september, let’s know a little more about the woman who inspired Bollywood to make a whole movie on her life.
Here are a few facts that we thought you should know!
1. How did we get our details?
S Hussain Zaidi wrote the book ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’ where he mentioned the story of our Gangubai Kathiawadi who hailed from the Kathiawadi region of Gujarat.
2. A Shocking Reveal
While most children studied and played, Gangubai was pushed into prostitution at the tender age of 16. She was sold at the cost of Rs. 500 to a brothel. It is said that her regular customers were many criminals.
3. How did it all start?
At the blossoming age of 16, a naive young Gangubai fell in love with her father’s friend and accountant and took the decision to run away with him. The pair eloped to Mumbai in a dream of settling down. However the expected event took an unexpected turn and that is where the story all began.
4. Interests and dreams
Gangubai Kathiawadi had a keen interest in acting and wanted to pursue a career in drama. She was a huge fan of Asha Parekh, Hema Malini and many such Bollywood stars of the era.
5. How did she enter the underworld?
As per S Hussain Zaidi’s book, Gangubai extended her contacts slowly and steadily into chains of Mafias along with becoming a Mafia Queen herself. When she was newly exposed to the lifestyle of brothels, she was raped by a criminal who belonged to the Mafia Don, Karim Lala’s gang.
6. Her brilliant contributions
Gangubai operated multiple kothas or brothels in Mumbai’s red light district. She was called ‘Madam of Kamathipura’ with her status and power.
Her empathy for young sex workers who more or less had faced the same situation as her made her their Messiah. She not only fought for their rights and empowerment but also never forced them to work against their own will.
She made sure that the women working at her brothels had their own freedom and no one could violate them. Gangubai apparently addressed concerns of sex workers to the then Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
Take a peak at the first look of the movie Gangubai Kathiawadi starring Alia Bhatt and Ajay Devgn.
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