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

  Mohe panghat pe nandlal chhed gayo re....  (Krishna teased me at the river bank and left...)    As I walked down the path, "Mohe Panghat Pe" played in my ears - a soothing melody that filled my heart with joy. The beauty of the song and the peacefulness of the surroundings brought a smile to my face as I strolled along. It was the perfect accompaniment to my evening walk, and one I will not soon forget. But do you know that this classic thumri, "Mohe Panghat Pe," was recorded by a tawaif, Indubala. It reminds us of the timelessness of music and also the fact that we have taken their (tawaif) music and their dances without giving them the acknowledgement and respect they deserve.  As you read, I have endeavored to highlight the invaluable contributions of the tawaifs to Indian culture. The glamorized version of courtesans often portrayed in Bollywood movies gives us a romanticized view of their lives. But the reality is far from this picture-perfect representat...

I was pondering, as I often do, and I had an interesting thought: Could every woman in today's world be seen as a courtesan? Could it be that the traditional notions of courtesans have evolved to reflect changing societal norms and expectations? It's certainly an intriguing thought. An exploration of the history and culture of courtesans in India reveals a complex, nuanced story of female empowerment and strength. Courtesans were seen as sexually liberated women, often seen as the most free-thinking and independent women in Indian society. They challenged traditional gender roles and enjoyed a status that was far higher than that of other women of the same social class. Through their art, music, and dance, they were able to acquire wealth and independence. But is it fair to call them the most feminist women in India? Courtesans were seen as sexually liberated women, often seen as the most free-thinking and independent women ( A fascist man who is still attached to outdated idea...

In the age of dating apps, where finding love is just a matter of a few swipes, the emotion seems to have lost its worth. Like someone? Swipe right. Don't like someone? Swipe left. Don't like the person you liked earlier? Start swiping again. It's as simple as that and it's as messed up as that, which is precisely why modern love stories have lost their charm.  So, in the time of swipes, don't you want to remember the love that was?  When you saw someone and actually thought "zindagi dhoop tum ghana saaya" ?  Mohabbat hai, toh kya hai? For centuries, tawaifs (courtesans) have been an integral part of South Asian culture, often embodying the perfect mixture of beauty, wit and cunning. I have discovered some stories of tawaifs that leave behind a legacy of love, loyalty, compassion and dedication. From the tragic story of Zia Azeemabaadi, who willingly sacrificed her life for the love of her life, to the selfless act of Saabra, who gave up her wealth to sav...