"Breaking the Glass Ceiling: How Women Are Finding Their Voice in a 'Lost in Translation' World"

" Ras ke bhare tore nain saanwariya Ras ke bhare tore nain......" (Your eyes are full of sweet syrup,  O beloved, Your eyes are full of sweetness) So, if you have not heard this song yet, "Now" is the time! Sung by the prominent  Gauhar Jaan- India's first pop-star. All the more reason to listen to this song. She was trained in Classical Hindustani vocals, kathak and composed ghazals under the pen-name "Hamdam" and mastered "Rabindra Sangeet" before turning 15! Sounds cool, Right? She made a huge fanbase and started travelling for her shows. So, 'It is pre-independence India and Indians are prohibited from riding in buggies but Jaan defies this rule and opts to pay a fine of Rs. 1000/- a day, as an act of resistance.'  - This was also a sense of individualism associated with the idea of liberty.  Jaan shot to fame in 1903, after 78 rpm records were manufactured and distributed in India. She was especially known for condensing elaborat...

" Ghoor ghoor barasat meharava, bijuriya chamaki anek baar  (The lightning flashed many times and the rains poured from the sky)." The melody still echoes the journey of a Tawaif  who has always been disgraced by many indecent adjectives in our society. The first word which comes in our mind by hearing the word "Tawaif" is a Kothewali, a gaanewali, a prostitute, a whore!  But let me bestow you with some insights in history when tawaifs were seen as greatest epitome of etiquette and culture. But prior to that, let me tell you what it meant to be a "tawaif"?  In the subcontinent, Tawaif referred to the courtesans who were proficient and highly skilled in both music and dance and were at the center of art and culture in India. They were the entertainers of the royal court and nobility, and only the wealthy and elite could afford to attend their concerts. The Tawaif were considered authorities on etiquette, so much so that noble families would send their son...