Tawaif: Tracing the History of Courtesans in Hindi Cinema

 Iss anjuman me aapko aana hai baar baar

 Deewar-o-dar ko gaur se pehchan lijiye 

Come to this gathering again and again

Learn to recognise these surroundings carefully

Our latest digital exhibition, Tawaif: Tracing the History of Courtesans in Hindi Cinema, invites you to explore the many facets that make the tawaif character in hindi cinema.

Dr. Saumya Mani Tripathi, who has also curated this exhibition, will guide you through the history and evolution of the tawaif (courtesan) in Hindi cinema, showcasing the latest exhibition to come out of our Bollywood Ephemera digitisation efforts. 

Tawaif: Tracing the History of Courtesans in Hindi Cinema examines the transformation of the courtesan figure in cinema from a court dancer steeped in devotion to kings and deities, to a complex figure who defies and critiques societal conventions — ultimately evolving into a feminist icon, poet, and artist.  

Through the lens of films such as Pakeezah, Utsav, Mughal-e-Azam, and Mere Mehboob it showcases the work of cinematic legends like Madhubala, Meena Kumari, Rekha, and Waheeda Rehman, who brought the tawaif figure to the silver screen with unparalleled grace and emotional depth. 

After the walkthrough, we will delve deeper into the exhibition’s themes with a showcase of objects from the MAP collection such as vintage lobby cards, film posters and vinyl records. These objects provide a tangible connection to the time period, the lives of tawaifs, and the cultural memory of Hindi  Cinema’s timeless legacy.

Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the allure of classic Hindi cinema and discover the enduring legacy of the tawaif.

MAP is grateful to Richa and Jamshed Chinoy for gifting this collection.

The exhibition has been made possible in partnership with Bank of America