Gangubai Kathiawadi or Gangubai Kothewali both terms were used to recognize her, but her real name was Ganga Harjivandas. All you know about her recently as her biopic became a big hit, so we think we know all about Gangubai, but the movie doesn’t involve all the real story as per the guidelines, so here we have some more information about her life as well as her death also.
Gangubai Kathiawadi Cause of Death
After spending almost 5 decades at Kamathipura, Mumbai, Gangubai died at 68 years old in 2008 due to Cardiac arrest at her Kamathipura house after having a terrible, hard life as a prostitute she died. However, she was a social activity. She cared for such women like their mothers. Gangubai was one of the huge notable names in the red light area of ‘Kamathipura.’
Who was Ganga Harjivandas?
Gangubai Kathiawadi as we know her but her real name was Ganga Harjivandas. She was born in a prestigious family at Kamathipura, Gujrat, her father was an accountant. As a normal teenage girl, she aspired to become an actress in her childhood.
However, Ganga is also a very bubbly, charming young beautiful lady with a kind heart and a caring daughter who used to get excited over the festivals and prepare for them and the dearest daughter of the family.
When Ganga was in college, she fell in love with a boy named Ramnik lal, Ramnik made a false promise of making Ganga a Bollywood actress, but for this, she had to come to Mumbai with him. So she ran away from her home with him, got married, and moved to Mumbai with him.
Who was Gangubai Kathiawadi?
Gangubai Kathiawadi was one of the most frightening women of Mumbai’s underworld in the 60s. Mafia Queens of Mumbai or the ‘Madam of Kamathipura.’ She owned many brothels in Mumbai and was the first woman to open a franchise of brothels in different cities across India. During the 60s, kamathipura was ruled by her. She was a social idol among her community. she was a huge fan of Dev Anand.
Real Story of Gangubai Kathiawadi
Her name changed from Ganga to Gangu after her first client call her by this name. Ganga’s turns into Gangu was a tragic story and a terrific turning point in Ganga’s life. After marrying Ramnik when she relocated to Mumbai where Ramnik sold Ganga into prostitution for just Rs. 500. The forceful life in Kamathipura turned Ganga into Gangu and her into a tough lady.
Gangu managed there in starting and then accept this as her life. Her loving and caring nature made her a favorite person of others. After the death of the brothel owner, all women decided to make Gangu their brothel owner. In between this, a horrific moment happens with Gangu was brutally raped by one of the goons of Karim.
Gangu was badly injured; then, She went to Karim and asked for justice. Karim was the underground don of Kamathipura at that time. Karim helps Gangu when the next time that goon visit the brothel and demands Gangu; Gangu informs Karim He kills that goon in front of everyone. Gangubai even tied rakhi to Karim.
Although Gaungubai herself suffered a lot as a prostitute still, she was a very kind lady with a big heart, she never forced any girl into prostitution; If any girl sold there wanted to go back to their home, she after telling that no one accepts her, she sends them. Gangubai has connections with many gangsters in Mumbai, as they were their regular clients.
She fought the community election in Kamathipura with Raziyabai. She wants changes and the betterment of women there. She won the election, and with that victory, she ruled most brothels of kamathipura.
Gangubai and all other women there were cheated on and sold to brothels, so they all have the same pain. They used to cry a lot while remembering their homes, but no one was there to see their tears. All they had was each other. Gangubai always has a soft corner for these sex workers and wants something better for them.
She wants equal privileged for the prostitution community and their children’s every right to education. She said we were like any other businessman as they sell their product for their livelihood, and we sell our body for livelihood; what is wrong with that? We are a must community in a society that gives men pleasure and prevents women from lust and sexual insecurities.
Gangubai stands her voice when a nearby school denies some students to get admission just because their mothers are prostitutes and they can’t tell their father’s names which disturbs Gangubai, and she takes action against this injustice.
She also reached out to the Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, to discuss the problems faced by the sex workers in the country and their rights and issues, disrespectful behaviors with them always having no freedom to do anything and many more. After talking to Gangubai, Nehru Ji was impressed with her bold thoughts and leadership qualities. Then Nehru Ji asked her why she had gotten into the brothel business and would have a good husband and good? Then Gangubai smiled and replied who like to marry a prostitute? Would you like to marry me? Nehru Ji just smiled at that.
Gangubai Kathiawadi Movie
Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali made the movie ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, and writer Hussain Zaidi also wrote one chapter on Gangubai Kathiawadi in his book “Mafia Queens of Mumbai. Alia Bhatt played the lead role of Gangubai in the film. Alia very well plays this role. The movie almost covered the story. One of the finest biopic.
The acting skills of Alia Bhatt make us feel more connected to the story. The struggle of a prostitute to have basic rights which were normally given to everyone and the fight between the system and yourself is described in the film. Although Gangubai lived in the Kamathipura slums, she owned a black Bentley in the 60s and ruled over Kamathipura’s brothels. She believed that offering people pleasure didn’t give them the right to abuse or degrade her.
Impact of the movie on the audience
After watching the movie and my reviews of this- I like this movie very much as it makes me feel how blessed I am that I don’t face anything like that ever, and according to me, every woman who ever watches this should feel the same struggles, as well as the positive approach and determination of the lady, is much inspiring.
Today we always debate over our problems in life that we have so many issues, so much stress blah blah……. but according to me, this situation is something in which we can say my life is over. But Gangubai changes her fear and stress into her strength and live like a Queen for 68years; then, due to cardiac arrest, she died. She also adopts children.
Social services, charity, and leadership are the characteristics feature of gangubai. I remember a quote for her ” If the mind rules you, you are king if by the body you are a slave,” as she followed her thoughts. People always remembered her story through the movie.
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FAQs
Q. What is the real name of Gangubai Kathiyawadi?
Ans: Ganga Harjivandas was the real name of Gangubai Kathiawadi. She was known for being the mafia queen of Kamathipura, a red-light area.
Q. Who is Gangubai Kathiawadi in real?
Ans: Indian activist, prostitute, and brothel owner Ganga Harjivandas lived in the Kamathipura district of Mumbai during the 1960s. She later became Gangubai Kothewali or Gangubai Kathiawadi and fought for sex workers’ rights.
Q. How did Gangubai Kathiawadi died?
Ans: Gangubai died at the age of 68 due to cardiac arrest at her Kamathipura home in 2008.
Q. Where to watch Gangubai Kathiawadi?
Ans: On Netflix, you can watch Alia Bhatt’s ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’. You’ll need a Netflix subscription to watch this movie.
Q. is Gangubai Kathiawadi on amazon prime?
Ans: No, Gangubai Kathiawadi is not available on Amazon Prime. However, if you’d like to watch it, you can watch it on Netflix.