Yes, the movie Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) is based on a true story. It is inspired by the life of Gangubai Kothewali, a powerful woman who was known as the ‘Madam of Kamathipura’, one of the largest red-light districts in Mumbai. She was a powerful figure in the world of prostitution and became a famous advocate for the rights of sex workers. The movie is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and it stars Alia Bhatt in the lead role as Gangubai Kathiawadi.
What is the true story behind the movie Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022)?
Gangubai Kathiawadi is a biographical crime film based on the life of Gangubai Kothewali, also known as Gangubai Kathiawadi, a powerful and influential woman in the red-light district of Mumbai’s Kamathipura area. She was born in Kathiawad, Gujarat, and was sold into prostitution at a young age.
Despite her circumstances, Gangubai became a formidable figure in the brothel and built a reputation as a fierce and compassionate leader, protecting the women under her care and fighting against exploitation and oppression. She was also known for her ability to communicate with people from all walks of life, including politicians, police officers, and members of the mafia.
The film is based on a chapter from the book “Mafia Queens of Mumbai” by S. Hussain Zaidi. The author interviewed several people who knew Gangubai, including her daughters, to piece together her incredible story.
After years of leading the brothel, Gangubai became a social worker and started an NGO called “Ganga Jamuna Kamathipura Swachata Abhiyan” to help the women of Kamathipura. She also contributed to the development of several programs aimed at rehabilitating and empowering women who had been forced into prostitution.
However, her life was cut short when she was murdered in 1986 by a man whom she had rejected. Gangubai Kathiawadi is a tribute to her legacy and serves as a reminder of the incredible strength and resilience of women like her who fought against all odds to create a better world for themselves and others.