Aishwarya to Madhuri, a look at actors who played courtesans

Updated On: 28 April, 2024 11:31 AM IST | Oshin Fernandes

As Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web series ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ gears up for its release on Netflix, here’s a list of actors who have played courtesans on the screen over the years. 

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As Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web series ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ gears up for its release on Netflix, here’s a list of actors who have played courtesans on the screen over the years.

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Evergreen actress and yesteryear icon Rekha essayed the role of Amiran/Umrao Jaan in the 1981 film. The songs `Dil Cheez Kya Hai` and `In Ankhon Ki Masti Ke` have been stuck with cinephiles across generations. </span></p>

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Evergreen actress and yesteryear icon Rekha essayed the role of Amiran/Umrao Jaan in the 1981 film. The songs `Dil Cheez Kya Hai` and `In Ankhon Ki Masti Ke` have been stuck with cinephiles across generations.

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Years later, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan essayed the same role in the 2006 remake alongside her now husband Abhishek Bachchan. The JP Dutta directorial however failed to garner the same appreciation as the first installment. </span></p>

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Years later, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan essayed the same role in the 2006 remake alongside her now husband Abhishek Bachchan. The JP Dutta directorial however failed to garner the same appreciation as the first installment.

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the 2002 remake of the iconic film `Devdas` Madhuri Dixit Nene played the role of Chandramukhi. The film was Sanjay Leela Bhansali`s masterpiece. </span></p>

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In the 2002 remake of the iconic film `Devdas` Madhuri Dixit Nene played the role of Chandramukhi. The film was Sanjay Leela Bhansali`s masterpiece.

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 1960 historical drama Mughal-e-Azam featured Madhubala in the role of Anarkali. Her grace and beauty as a courtesan on screen remains unmatched to this day. </span></p>

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The 1960 historical drama Mughal-e-Azam featured Madhubala in the role of Anarkali. Her grace and beauty as a courtesan on screen remains unmatched to this day.

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Tragedy queen Meena Kumari played the role of Nargis/Sahibjaan in the 1972 musical romantic drama `Pakeezah`.

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The 1966 film Amrapali saw dance legend Vyjayanthimala play the role of a courtesan during the Magadha empire.

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Coming to `Heeramandi`, Manisha Koirala will be seen as Mallikajaan, queen of Shahi Mahal. She governs over an aristocratic courtesan house. </span></p>

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Coming to `Heeramandi`, Manisha Koirala will be seen as Mallikajaan, queen of Shahi Mahal. She governs over an aristocratic courtesan house.

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Sonakshi Sinha plays Fareedan, the daughter of Manisha`s late nemesis, who raises problems in the household.

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aditi Rao Hydari plays Bibbojaan, daughter of Manisha Koirala, who joins the struggle for freedom alongside revolutionaries seeking India`s independence from British domination.</span></p>

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Aditi Rao Hydari plays Bibbojaan, daughter of Manisha Koirala, who joins the struggle for freedom alongside revolutionaries seeking India`s independence from British domination.

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sharmin Segal plays Manisha`s youngest daughter Alamzeb, who fantasises about falling in love with the son of a nobleman and wishes to escape Heeramandi.</span></p>

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Sharmin Segal plays Manisha`s youngest daughter Alamzeb, who fantasises about falling in love with the son of a nobleman and wishes to escape Heeramandi.

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Richa Chadha plays Lajjo, whose resilience echoes in the halls of Shahi Mahal.

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Sanjeeda Shaikh stars as Waheeda, who is betrayed and silenced by fate and seeks to find redemption beyond beauty.

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Aishwarya to Madhuri, a look at actors who played courtesans

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Photo of Day

High tidal waves in Mumbai delay Lalbaugcha Raja`s visarjan