Top actresses who redefine the prostitution in Hindi Cinema!

The character of prostitute in films is a very heinous for actresses to act. But there are some bold and beautiful actresses who essayed their prostitute role with their magnificent prowess. Actresses like Vidya Balan, Rekha, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Preity Zinta, Rani Mukherjee and Kalki Koechlin who have depicted the role of sex-workers aesthetically on the celluloid.

The prostitution as the world's oldest profession, many directors have tried to understand the subject and have attempted to bring the truth about this heinous profession and explore the subject beautifully with authenticity.

Here is a list of these powerful actresses who redefine the prostitution in Hindi Cinema with their superb performances and powerful dialogues.

Vidya Balan in Begum Jaan (2017):

Recently, Vidya Balan has portrayed the role of the madam of a brothel in movie Begum Jaan. Her act as brother head is superb and her stellar performance till date. Vidya’s mentally and physically transformation as brothel head is commendable. Film is critically acclaimed and will remember for Vidya Balan’s righteous performance.

Begum Jaan is a 2017 Indian Hindi period drama movie. It is written and directed by National Film Award-winning director Srijit Mukherji and produced by Mukesh Bhatt, Vishesh Bhatt and Play Entertainment.

Rekha in Umrao Jaan (1981):

Rekha in Umrao Jaan (1981)

Gorgeous Rekha is one of the actresses who set an example for actresses who aspire to act the role of prostitute in the films. 1981’s film Umrao Jaan was based on the Mirza Hadi Ruswa's Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada, the film tells the story of a Lucknow courtesan and her rise to fame. Umrao Jaan is directed by Muzaffar Ali. Rekha’s impeccable performance had revolutionized the courtesan cinema. Her stellar performance even won her a National Award. Rekha’s pain-steeped eyes act had captivated everyone. 

Madhuri Dixit in Devdas (2002):

Madhuri Dixit in Devdas (2002)

Madhuri as Chandramukhi played a tawaif who fell in unrequited love with Devdas. It was a unique cinematic experience for the movie lovers. Devdas is a 2002 Indian romantic drama film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and based on the 1917 Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay's novel Devdas. Madhuri has given a liveliness to each and every frame in the movie. We can feel her desire, her sadness and pain in the movie. 

Her depiction of the role literally romanticized the idea of one-sided love and changed the way one looked at this 'forbidden' profession.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Umrao Jaan (2006):

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Umrao Jaan (2006)

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is played again the famous courtesan just like Rekha in old one film Umrao Jaan. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan had redefined her character with the grace and her prowess.

Umrao Jaan is a Bollywood film about the famous courtesan of the title. Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai star in the lead roles. The film is directed by J. P. Dutta.

Kareena Kapoor Khan in Chameli (2004) and Talaash (2012):

Kareena Kapoor Khan in Chameli (2004)

Kareena Kapoor Khan in Talaash (2012)

Gorgeous Kareena Kapoor Khan as the shameless sex-worker who spits out betel paan was a career defining role. She stood out with her loveable performance. Chameli was first offered to actress Amisha Patel who then refused to do the film and said the role of prostitute won't match her character. And then it went to Kareena Kapoor which marked a turning point in her career. It was directed by Anant Balani, who died before the film was complete; after his death, Sudhir Mishra directed the movie.

Kareena yet again essayed the role of a sex-worker in Aamir Khan's Talaash. But, it is her role as Chameli which really won hearts. 

Rani Mukerji in Saawariya (2007) and Laaga Chunari Main Daag (2007):

Rani Mukerji in Laaga Chunari Main Daag (2007)

Rani Mukerji in Saawariya (2007)

Gorgeous Rani Mukerji has essayed the role of a fallen woman like no one else. Be it Saawariya or Laaga Chunari Main Daag, it is truly challenging for us to choose her greatest performance. While she left us astonished as the high-class escort- her bold and sassy avatar in Laaga Chunari Main Daag, she was equally appealing in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya. 

Preity Zinta in Chori Chori Chupke Chupke (2001):

Preity Zinta in Chori Chori Chupke Chupke (2001)

Preity Zinta essayed the role of a prostitute in Abbas Mustan's Chori Chori Chupke Chupke. The movie literally changed the way one looked at sex-workers with the unconventional storyline. Preity played the role beautifully. 

Chori Chori Chupke Chupke is directed by Abbas-Mustan. The film generated heavy controversy during its release because it was one of the first Bollywood movies to handle the taboo issue of surrogate childbirth. Preity Zinta’s performance is career enhancing in commercial way.

Kalki Koechlin in Dev D (2009): 

Kalki Koechlin in Dev D (2009)

Kalki as the contemporary day Chandramukhi was playful and bold and was unregretful. Kalki's hooker role as Chanda was a career defining for her. 

Dev.D is an Indian romantic black comedy drama movie released on 6 February 2009. Written and directed by Anurag Kashyap, it is a modern-day take on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's classic Bengali novel Devdas.