Table of Contents
Introduction:
Gangubai Harjeevandas (Born in 1939, Death: 08 September 2008) better known as Gangubai Kothewali and Gangubai Kathiawadi was a social activist, prostitute, and brothel madam in Kamathipura, Mumbai. She fought for the rights of sex workers and improved the lives of orphans. As time went on, she eventually established her brothel and lobbied on behalf of the rights of commercial prostitutes.
Who was Gangubai Kathiawadi?
In the 1960s, Gangubai worked as a prostitute and madam of a brothel in Kamathipura, Mumbai, which was well known as Gangubai Kothewali. The work of Gangubai was for the rights of sex workers as well as for the welfare of orphans. Later, she operated her brothel and advocated for the rights of commercial sex workers.
Gangubai Kathiawadi Wiki:
| Real Name | Gangubai Harjeevandas |
| Alias | Gangubai Kathiawadi, Gangubai Kothewali |
| Famous for | Was famous for its movement toward the betterment of orphan children, and sex workers |
| Profession | Social Activist, Prostitute, and Brothel madam |
| Date of Birth | 1930 |
| Death | 08 September 2008 |
| Age (at the time of death) | Between 68 0r 69 years in 2008 |
| Height | 5 feet 0 inches |
| Sexuality | Female |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Parents | Not Known |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | Ramnik Lal |
| Education | Completed her 12th Class |
Gangubai Kathiawadi Biography:
When she ran away from home to Bombay at an early age, her suitor, Ramnik Lal, sold her into prostitution. She became known as the Madam of Kamathipura for her underworld connections and her role as a pimp peddling drugs in the city. She met Jawaharlal Nehru later in life (probably between 1947 and 1964) to discuss sex workers’ plight and improve their living conditions. However, as Pamban Mu Prasanth wrote in his article for BBC Tamil, we have no solid evidence for the story.
‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai‘ (2011) by Hussain Zaidi explores the lives of thirteen women who played a significant role in the development of Mumbai. Zaidi also discusses Gangubai in the book. Gangubai, from a highly educated family, was deeply devoted to Dev Anand and loved working in the film industry. Her husband Ramnik Lal, 28, and she fled to Mumbai in search of a better life. In just a few days after getting married, her husband sold her into a kuntankhana (brothel).
Gangubai reluctantly became a prostitute. Gangubai quickly became the leader of some kuntankhanas. She was exploited physically and financially by Shaukat Khan Pathan. As soon as Gangubai learned of Pathan’s crimes, he complained to underworld don Karim Lala. Lala promised to help her and tied a rakhi for her. Afterward, Lala roughed up Shaukat Khan.
After that, Gangubai gained a reputation as Karim Lala’s presumed sister during the 1960s. In 1922, St. Anthony’s Girls’ High School initiated a campaign to rid the area of “bad influences”. This led to the brothel being ordered to move. In response to Gangubai’s strong opposition, Jawaharlal Nehru refused to move the brothel.
Gangubai also worked on issues concerning orphans and women involved in prostitution during this time. Gangubai helped many young women who fled their homes for work in films but became trapped in prostitution. Due to this, Gangubai used to be called Maa (mother) by everyone. When she died, brothels erected a statue of her and photographed her.
Gangubai Kathiawadi Marriage:
Her dream to become a Bollywood actor began at a very young age, and she longed to come to Mumbai to pursue it. As a 16-year-old, she fell in love with Ramnik Lal, during her college years. To start a new life with him, Ganga ran away from Kathiawad with him.
As soon as Ganga and Ramnik Lal left their home and moved to Mumbai, they got married. She was later deceived by Ramnik and sold to a brothel for Rs. 500. However, Ganga started a new life with Gangubai after this betrayal.
Gangubai Kathiawadi Death:
Gangubai was born in the 1960s in Kathiawar, British India (Gujarat, India). Gangubai died at the age of 68 or 69 years on 08 September 2008, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Gangubai Kathiawadi Photos:
Some Interesting Unknown Facts:
- When Gangubai was very young, her boyfriend forced her into prostitution.
- In the red light district when she was dumped, she was just 16 years old.
- She operated a brothel, dealt drugs, and committed murder, according to reports.
- Her connections with the underworld earned her the title ‘Madam of Kamathipura’.
- Gangubai’s life is explored in Hussain Zaidi’s book, Queens of Mumbai.
- She asked government officials for assistance.
- She served as a guardian for underworld dons, giving them shelter and advice.
- Furthermore, she admired Asha Parekh, Hema Malini, and Meena Kumari’s performances in Hindi movies.
FAQs about Gangubai Kathiawadi:
Who was Gangubai Kathiawadi?
Gangubai Harjeevandas better known as Gangubai Kothewali was a social activist, prostitute, and brothel madam in Kamathipura, Mumbai.
Where Gangubai Kathiawadi was born?
Gangubai was born in Kathiawar, British India (Gujarat, India).
Why was Gangubai Kathiawadi famous?
She fought for the rights of sex workers and improved the lives of orphans. As time went on, she eventually established her brothel and lobbied on behalf of the rights of commercial prostitutes.
Is Gangubai Kathiawadi married?
Her dream to become a Bollywood actor began at a very young age, and she longed to come to Mumbai to pursue it. As a 16-year-old, she fell in love with Ramnik Lal, during her college years. To start a new life with him, Ganga ran away from Kathiawad with him. As soon as Ganga and Ramnik Lal left their home and moved to Mumbai, they got married. She was later deceived by Ramnik and sold to a brothel for Rs. 500.
What happened to Gangubai Kathiawadi?
When she ran away from home to Bombay at an early age, her suitor, Ramnik Lal, sold her into prostitution. She became known as the Madam of Kamathipura for her underworld connections and her role as a pimp peddling drugs in the city. She met Jawaharlal Nehru later in life (probably between 1947 and 1964) to discuss sex workers’ plight and improve their living conditions.
When was Gangubai Kathiawadi died?
Gangubai was born in the 1960s in Kathiawar, British India (Gujarat, India). Gangubai died at the age of 68 or 69 years on 08 September 2008, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Conclusion:
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