The teaser of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-hyped project Gangubai Kathiawadi is out recently. Alia Bhatt is playing the titular role in the movie. The film is based on the life of a controversial, powerful, and dreaded woman of Mumbai, Gangubai Kothewali. She was hailed as Madam of Kamathipura in the 60s. The movie is based on journalist S Hussain Zaidi’s book Mafia Queens of Mumbai. Here is everything about the real Gangubai, whose role Alia Bhatt is portraying in the movie Gangubai Kathiawadi.
Born In Reputed Family
It is said that Gangubai was born in a reputed family of lawyers in Kathiawad in Gujarat. She always dreamt of becoming an actress in Mumbai. At the age of 16, she fell in love with her father’s accountant. The duo got married and fleed to Mumbai.
Forced Into Prostitution
She wanted to become an actress, but unfortunately, she landed in brothels in the red light district of Kamathipura, Mumbai. It is said that her husband sold her for INR 500 in Kamathipura and was forced into the world of prostitution. Without any help from anyone, she remained in the business and became the most costly sex worker in the area. She earned a lot of money from it.
Underworld Don Karim Lala Made Her Rakhi Sister
During the 1960s, Gangubai was raped by one of the gangsters of Karim Lala’s gang. Karim Lala was the underworld don during that era. Gangubai approached Karim Lala for justice. He made Gangubai his rakhi sister and warned anyone against harming her. After the incident, Karim Lala handed over the reigns of Kamathipura to Gangubai. From here, her life took a new turn, and she became a Mafia Queen of Mumbai.
The Brothel Queen
With the support of Karim Lala, Gangubai became very powerful. She owned and managed many brothers in the red light area of Kamathipura, eventually earning the title of Madam of Kamathipura. Gangubai became so rich that she would drive a black Bentley. Not only expensive cars but also she had sarees with gold borders and saree blouses with gold buttons.
A Voice For The Rights Of Sex Workers
Gangubai never kept any girl in the brothel against her consent. She dedicated most of her life to the betterment of sex workers in the red light areas of Kamathipura. She left no stone unturned in helping other women in the community and their families both emotionally and financially. Gangubai believed whatever work women do; no one has the right to abuse them. She also took part in the women empowerment summit with the NGOs and the social workers.
Meeting With Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru
Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru applauded her speech at the women’s empowerment summit. Gangubai even met with him and talked about the problems of the sex workers in the red light areas.
Based on her life, the movie Gangubai Kathiawadi is releasing on July 30, 2021. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is directing the film, Alia Bhatt is portraying the titular role, and Ajay Devgn will be playing the role of underworld don Karim Lala.
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