The timeless Bollywood film Umrao Jaan (1981) not only captivates audiences with its music and drama but also shines a light on the forgotten cultural heritage of India’s courtesans, known as tawaifs.

Rekha Brings Umrao Jaan to Life

Legendary Indian actress Rekha stars as Umrao Jaan in this period drama set in the 1840s, during the early years of British colonial rule in India. The film is based on the Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada by Mirza Hadi Ruswa.

The story follows a young girl kidnapped by a rival of her father, a police officer, who is trained in a kotha (salon) under the guidance of a khanum, a senior courtesan. Here, she learns the arts of poetry, music, dance, and refined conversation, becoming a cultured tawaif.

The Role of Tawaifs in Indian Court Culture

The tawaif was much more than an entertainer or companion. These women were highly educated, skilled in the arts, and trained to engage in intellectual discussions. They held a unique position of influence in princely courts, often participating indirectly in politics and social discourse.

Professor Veena Talwar Oldenburg notes:

“The courtesans were an influential female elite. They celebrated womanhood and subtly resisted the gender norms of their society.”

Through education and artistic talent, tawaifs could access corridors of power that were otherwise closed to women of their time.

Umrao Jaan: Independence and Resistance

In the film, Umrao Jaan captures the heart of Nawab Sultan, played by Farooq Shaikh, but faces heartbreak and societal judgment. Despite being labeled a “fallen woman”, she asserts her independence, eventually leaving Lucknow for Kanpur, another urban center of colonial India.

Her journey symbolizes both personal empowerment and subtle resistance against British colonialism. Historical accounts reveal that some tawaifs, like Azizun Nisa, even participated as spies and agitators during the 1857 rebellion, highlighting the political role of these women beyond their artistic contributions.

Bollywood’s Portrayal of Courtesans

The story of courtesans and royal lovers is a recurring theme in Indian cinema:

• 1953 – Anarkali: Based on Imtiaz Ali Taj’s play, depicts Mughal prince Salim’s love for the courtesan Anarkali.

• 1960 – Mughal-e-Azam: K Asif’s epic adaptation emphasizing honor, love, and sacrifice.

• 1972 – Pakeezah: Kamal Amrohi’s portrayal of Lucknow’s tawaifs exploring honor, shame, and artistry.

Umrao Jaan stands out for its authentic depiction of 19th-century Lucknow court life, showcasing tawaifs as intellectual and cultural figures, not merely entertainers.

Colonial Impact on Tawaif Culture

The British colonial administration misrepresented tawaifs as mere dancers, erasing their cultural and intellectual contributions. Victorian prudishness and moralistic judgments stigmatized them, contributing to the decline of this esteemed institution.

Academics note that by the late 19th century, tawaif had acquired negative connotations, overshadowing their participation in the first Indian War of Independence and their role as artists and cultural influencers.

Modern Cinema and the Lost Legacy

In later decades, Bollywood largely sexualized tawaif heritage, turning them into background dancers in films of the 1990s and 2000s. The rich history and intellect of these women were often ignored, reduced to “naach-gane-walis” (dancing and singing women).

However, the re-release of Umrao Jaan in 2025 demonstrates a renewed audience appreciation for authentic, nuanced depictions of Indian women and their cultural history. Packed theaters show a desire for stories that celebrate artistry, resilience, and empowerment, rather than mere spectacle.

Conclusion

Umrao Jaan is more than a Bollywood classic; it is a tribute to the forgotten legacy of India’s tawaifs, highlighting their artistic excellence, intelligence, and courage. The film reminds modern audiences that these women were trailblazers of culture and resistance, whose contributions deserve recognition and respect