Gangubai Kathiawadi, also known as Gangubai Kothewali, was a notorious brothel owner and social activist in Mumbai during the 1960s. She was known for her influence in the underworld, her connections with powerful politicians and gangsters, and her work for the rights and welfare of sex workers and orphans. She died of a cardiac arrest in 2008 at the age of 68 or 69, leaving behind a controversial and fascinating legacy. In this article, we will explore the life story of Gangubai Kathiawadi, her rise to fame and power, and her cause of death.
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From Kathiawad to Kamathipura: The Early Life of Gangubai Kathiawadi
Gangubai Kathiawadi was born as Ganga Harjivandas in 1939 in Kathiawad, a region in Gujarat. She belonged to a prestigious and wealthy family and had a passion for acting. She dreamed of becoming a Bollywood star and was a fan of Dev Anand. When she was in college, she fell in love with Ramnik Lal, an accountant who worked for her father. She eloped with him and ran away to Mumbai, hoping to pursue her career in films.
However, her dreams were shattered when Ramnik Lal betrayed her and sold her into prostitution for Rs. 500. She was forced to work in a brothel in Kamathipura, the red-light area of Mumbai. She faced abuse and exploitation from her clients and pimps, and soon became hardened by the harsh realities of life. She also contracted a sexually transmitted disease that made her infertile.
The Rise of the Madam of Kamathipura: The Career of Gangubai Kathiawadi
Gangubai Kathiawadi did not give up on her ambitions and aspirations. She used her intelligence, charisma, and courage to climb up the ladder of the prostitution business. She became the madam of several brothels in Kamathipura and earned the respect and fear of the underworld. She had a close relationship with Karim Lala, the don of Mumbai, who considered her as his sister. She also had contacts with many other gangsters, politicians, and celebrities, who were her regular clients.
Gangubai Kathiawadi was not only a successful businesswoman, but also a social activist. She fought for the rights and dignity of sex workers, who were often mistreated and stigmatized by society. She advocated for their health, safety, and education. She also worked for the welfare of orphans and homeless children, who were vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. She adopted four children and raised them as her own. She was affectionately called Ganga Maa (Mother Ganga) by many people.
Gangubai Kathiawadi also challenged the authorities and the society that tried to oppress her and her community. She once approached Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India, to discuss the problems faced by sex workers and to demand better living conditions for them. She also resisted the attempts of a school to evict her brothel from the area, and successfully defended her case. She was a fearless and influential woman, who commanded respect and admiration from many quarters.
The End of an Era: The Death of Gangubai Kathiawadi
Gangubai Kathiawadi lived a long and eventful life, but also faced many hardships and controversies. She was accused of being involved in drug trafficking, murder, and extortion. She was also criticized for being a hypocrite, who exploited other women while claiming to be their savior. She faced legal troubles and threats from her rivals and enemies. She also suffered from health issues and depression.
In 2008, after almost five decades since she came to Mumbai, she died of a cardiac arrest inside her Kamathipura home. She was 68 or 69 years old at the time of her death. Her death marked the end of an era, and left behind a mixed legacy. Some people mourned her as a hero, while others condemned her as a villain. Her life story was immortalized in books, documentaries, and films, such as the 2022 biopic Gangubai Kathiawadi, starring Alia Bhatt and directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
Gangubai Kathiawadi was a remarkable woman, who rose from a victim to a victor, from a prostitute to a madam, from a criminal to a crusader. She was a complex and controversial figure, who inspired and intrigued many people. She was a legend of Mumbai, who left an indelible mark on the history and culture of the city. She was Gangubai Kathiawadi, the Madam of Kamathipura.
