Tawaif: Tracing the History of Courtesans in Hindi Cinema
“Har ek baat pe kehte ho tum ki tu kya hai
Tumhi batao ye andaaz-e-guftugu kya hai”
“You question my worth at every utterance of mine,
You tell me, what manner of conversation is this?”
Step into the captivating world of the Tawaif (courtesan) of Hindi cinema, with Tawaif: Tracing the History of Courtesans in Hindi Cinema.
This digital experience examines the transformation of the figure of the courtesan 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. At the heart of this exploration is the mujra, a dance of intricate Kathak movements, that is rich with cultural symbolism and performed in opulent mehfil settings that are infused with Islamicate aesthetics. Through the lens of films such as Pakeezah, Utsav, Mughal-e-Azam, and Mere Mehboob it showcases the performances of cinematic legends like Madhubala, Meena Kumari, Rekha, and Waheeda Rehman, who brought these characters to life with unparalleled grace and emotional depth.
This compelling digital experience delves into the multifaceted evolution of the Tawaif, inviting you on a journey through the lavish royal courts, vibrant bazaars, and enticing kothas that dominate Bollywood’s imagination of this enigmatic figure. It seeks to discover the Tawaif’s delicate role as both a guardian of tehzeeb (culture) and an outsider navigating the complex realms of desire, morality, and artistic expression in Bombay Hindi Cinema.
Featuring rare film ephemera and thoughtfully curated artworks from the MAP collection, Tawaif: Tracing the History of Courtesans in Hindi Cinema offers a profound and nuanced exploration of the Tawaif figure’s enduring cinematic legacy.
MAP is grateful to Richa and Jamshed Chinoy for gifting this collection.
For the opening weekend, you can register for the following events that are free and open to all.
Guided Walk | Tawaif: Tracing the History of Courtesans in Hindi Cinema
September 21, Saturday, 11:00 am | September 21, Saturday, 2:00 pm
September 21, Saturday, 4:00 pm | September 22, Sunday, 1:00 pm
Film Screening | Umrao Jaan
Quiz | Movie Mania: Bollywood Quiz
