Interesting facts about Pakistan red light area Heera Mandi
By Lokmat English Desk | Published: October 7, 2021 05:30 PM2021-10-07T17:30:10+5:302021-10-07T17:30:10+5:30
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Sanjay Leela Bhansali makes only one movie a year. That is why he is considered as one of the best directors in Bollywood. Another thing about Sanjay Leela Bhansali is that the more beautiful his cinema is, the more controversy there is. Now he is in the news due to his new movie 'Hira Mandi'.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming movie is based on Hira Mandi, a red light area in Pakistan. This red light area of Lahore is also known as Shahi Mohalla. In the world of Pakistani cinema, questions are being asked about Bhansali's film. They are saying, how can Indian producers make movies in one place in Pakistan. Now the question is, what is it about the Hira Mandi that is causing so much controversy. (Image Credit: lauraagustin.com)
It is said that Hira Mandi was named after Hira Singh, the minister of Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Hira Singh had created a grain market here. After that, he gradually brought Tawaifs to this mandi. The same Maharaja Ranjit Singh always worked to protect this area. This area is also known as Shahi Mohalla. Because this area is right next to Lahore Fort.
During the Mughal period, women were brought to the area from places like Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. Tawaif was not as infamous then as it is today. During the Mughal period, they were associated with music, dance, culture and art. Because of them, concerts of upper class people were organized. For which they were rewarded from the upper class. After some time, women from the Indian subcontinent also started coming to the royal quarters. They used to do classical dance in front of those Mughals.
Eventually, the splendor of the Mughal period faded. During the foreign invasions, the Tawaifkhana built in the royal palace were demolished. After that, prostitution gradually increased here and now eunuch dances here.
During the day, this part of Lahore seems to be a completely normal market. But when it gets dark, this part becomes a redlight area. If you have seen the Kalank movie, it also mentions the Shahi Mohalla.
