This is an archive article published on February 20, 2022
Explained: Who was Gangubai Kathiawadi? Why is Alia Bhatt’s film on her facing legal troubles?
Alia Bhatt's film on Gangubai Kathiawadi is facing legal trouble, with individuals claiming to be her family members objecting to her portrayal in the film. A look at who Gangubai Kathiawadi was, and why her family is protesting her portrayal in the film.
Alia Bhatt's Gangubai Kathiawadi film is slated for release this week
A film starring actor Alia Bhatt is facing legal trouble after individuals claiming to be family members of the main protagonist, Gangubai Kathiawadi, have objected to her portrayal in the film. A look at who Gangubai Kathiawadi is and why her family is protesting her portrayal in the film.
Ganga Harjeevandas Kathiawadi was a native of Gujarat who earned a name for herself as one of Mumbai’s well-known and influential brothel owners in the 50s and 60s. She is said to have been sold to a brothel owner in Kamathipura by her husband. Kamathipura is one of Mumbai’s oldest and most notorious red light districts. She gradually ended up operating her own brothel and is known to also have lobbied for the rights of commercial sex workers.
What is Gangubai Kathiawadi’s claim to fame?
There are not many contemporary accounts of Gangubai’s life. The book “Mafia Queens of Mumbai”, on which the Alia Bhatt movie is based, dwells on some facets of her life. Gangubai is said to have been a proponent of the rights of commercial sex workers and apparently lobbied with politicians on this issue. There are however no contemporary to back these claims.
Who are people opposing her portrayal in the film?
Gangubai reportedly passed away in the mid 70s and did not have children of her own. There are however several individuals who claim they were adopted by her.
Since the film was announced, a number of them have objected to her portrayal in the film and sought a stay on its release. Last March, a court in Mumbai had issued summons to director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and actor Alia Bhatt based on a complaint filed by a man claiming to be Gangubai’s adopted son. The petitioner claimed the trailer of the film “titled after his mother and a chapter in a book on her, which it is adapted out of”, show her as a ‘prostitute’ and a ‘mafia queen’. It claims that after the release of the film’s trailer, the women members of his family who live in the redlight areas of Kamathipura have been a victim of objectionable and abusive comments by men, affecting their reputation.
Earlier a civil court in Mumbai had dismissed a suit filed by the complainant seeking permanent injunction from the making and telecast of the film. A case seeking a stay on the film is also pending before the Supreme Court.
Zeeshan Shaikh is the Associate Editor who heads The Indian Express' Mumbai reporting team. He is recognized for his highly specialized Expertise in analyzing the complex dynamics of Maharashtra politics and critical minority issues, providing in-depth, nuanced, and Trustworthy reports.
Expertise
Senior Editorial Role: As an Associate Editor leading the Mumbai reporting team, Zeeshan Shaikh holds a position of significant Authority and journalistic responsibility at a leading national newspaper.
Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on two interconnected, high-impact areas:
Maharashtra Politics & Urban Power Structures: Provides deep-dive analyses into political strategies, municipal elections (e.g., BMC polls), the history of alliances (e.g., Shiv Sena's shifting partners), and the changing demographics that influence civic power in Mumbai.
Minority Issues and Socio-Political Trends: Excels in coverage of the Muslim community's representation in power, demographic shifts, socio-economic challenges, and the historical context of sensitive political and cultural issues (e.g., the 'Vande Mataram' debate's roots in the BMC).
Investigative Depth: His articles frequently delve into the historical roots and contemporary consequences of major events, ranging from the rise of extremist groups in specific villages (e.g., Borivali-Padgha) to the long-term collapse of established political parties (e.g., Congress in Mumbai).
Trustworthiness & Credibility
Data-Driven Analysis: Zeeshan's work often incorporates empirical data, such as National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics on arrests and convictions of minorities, or data on asset growth of politicians, grounding his reports in factual evidence.
Focus on Hinterland Issues: While based in Mumbai, he maintains a wide lens, covering issues affecting the state's hinterlands, including water crises, infrastructure delays, and the plight of marginalized communities (e.g., manual scavengers).
Institutional Affiliation: His senior position at The Indian Express—a publication known for its tradition of rigorous political and investigative journalism—underscores the high level of editorial vetting and Trustworthiness of his reports.
He tweets @zeeshansahafi ... Read More