What Happened To Heeramandi Courtesans? Here Are Insights From Lahore Resident?

Netflix's popular series, Heeramandi, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, has attracted lots of eyeballs, but it's also faced criticism for not getting history right. The show features big names like Sonakshi Sinha, Manisha Koirala, and others, telling the story of courtesans in Lahore's Heeramandi, a place frequented by nobles in the past.

What Happened To Heeramandi Courtesans?

Real Heeramandi Picture (Left)/Adito Rao From Netflix Series/X

Ibrar Hussain, a resident of Lahore, recently shared insights with BBC about the real Heeramandi. According to him, the area has undergone significant changes over the years. Once a bustling cultural hub, it has now been transformed into a food street by the government. Hussain revealed that the women who once resided there have since relocated, highlighting the stark contrast between its past and present.

Contrary to the lavish sets in the show, Hussain explained that the real houses were not as grand. He mentioned that the condition of the houses today reflects the fate of the women who lived there. Additionally, he clarified that the houses weren't owned by the courtesans themselves, contributing to their deteriorated state over time.

Also Read: Heeramandi Star Shruti Sharma Once Faced Body-Shaming On National TV, Kangana Supported Her

After the series aired, many Pakistani viewers criticised its inaccuracies on social media, pointing out discrepancies between the show and historical reality.

Heeramandi In History:

Archive Picture Of Heeramandi/X

Heeramandi, located in Lahore, Pakistan, is a place with a big role in the city's history and culture. Long ago, it was famous as a place where courtesans lived and entertained people. It's like a special part of the city, known for its interesting history.

Back in the old days, during the time of kings and queens called the Mughal era, Heeramandi was popular among important people who wanted to spend time with skilled courtesans. These courtesans were talented in dancing, singing, and poetry. People admired them a lot for their beauty and talents.

Also Read: Heeramandi Tradition Or Addiction? Ever Wondered Why Courtesans Used To Consume Paan?

As time passed, Heeramandi changed because of different rulers and rules. Even though it was still a lively place during the time of Sikh rule, things changed again when the British came. They made rules that affected places like Heeramandi, causing it to lose some of its importance.

Nowadays, Heeramandi looks different. The government has turned it into a food street, where you can find lots of places to eat. The old bazaars and places where courtesans lived are now restaurants and shops. But even though it's changed, people still remember its past. Stories about the courtesans and the cultural richness of Heeramandi are still told, reminding us of Lahore's interesting history.

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