From Vidya Balan, Kareena Kapoor Khan to Rani Mukerji, actresses who redefined prostitution in Hindi Cinema

Vidya Balan starrer Begum Jaan is all set to hit the theatres tomorrow i.e April 14, 2017. With this Vidya will be joining the league of actresses like Rekha, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor Khan who have portrayed the role of sex-workers aesthetically on the celluloid. She will be seen mouthing hard-hitting dialogues as the madam of brothel in the movie. Well, considered as the world's oldest profession- many directors have tried to touch upon the subject and have attempted to bring about a change in the way prostitution is perceived in India.

While the list can go on and on but we decided to list down those who through their performance challenged the boundaries of sexual stereotypes in Hindi cinema.

Rekha in Umrao Jaan (1981)

 In Muzaffar Ali's adaptation of Mirza Hadi Ruswa's Urdu novel, Rekha with her impeccable performance revolutionized the courtesan cinema. She set a precedent for actresses. Her heart-achingly beautiful performance even won her a National Award. Overlooking her seduction, it was her pain-steeped eyes that struck a chord with us. 

Madhuri Dixit in Devdas

Madhuri as Chandramukhi- the lovelorn tawaif was one cinematic experience for the movie buffs. Based on the 19th-century novel, Madhuri filled life in each and every frame in the movie. You could feel her longing, her sadness and pain all along and couldn't help but fall for her all over again. Her portrayal of the role literally romanticized the idea of unrequited love and changed the way one looked at this 'forbidden' profession.

Kareena Kapoor Khan in Chameli and Talaash

Kareena Kapoor Khan as the unabashed sex-worker who spits out betel paan was a career defining role. She stood out with her endearing performance. She yet again played the role of a sex-worker in Aamir Khan's Talaash. However, it is her role as Chameli which really won hearts. 

Rani Mukerji in Saawariya and Laaga Chunari Main Daag

Rani has aced the role of a fallen woman like no one else. Be it Saawariya or Laaga Chunari Main Daag, it is really difficult for us to chose her best performance. While she left us speechless as the high-class escort- her bold and sassy avatar in Laaga Chunari Main Daag, she was equally aesthetic in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya. 

Preity Zinta in Chori Chori Chupke Chupke

Preity Zinta played the role of a hooker in Abbas Mustan's Chori Chori Chupke Chupke. The movie literally changed the way one looked at sex-workers with the unconventional storyline. Preity played the role beautifully.

Kalki Koechlin in Dev D

Kalki as the modern day Chandramukhi was sassy and bold and was unapologetic. Kalki's portrayal of the role literally turned the wheels and proved to be her ticket to fame in the industry. 

Have you watched all these performances? Which one was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.