Pakeezah

Classic Indian cult film about the fate of a courtesan

The reputable Shahabuddin falls in love with the prostitute Nargis, however his family refuses to accept her as his wife. Nargis dies of a broken heart, but not before secretly giving birth to their child. This ostentatious romantic melodrama tells the story of the daughter, Sahibjaan, who herself becomes a courtesan, enchanting audiences with her singing and dancing. One night a stranger on the train slips her a love letter… This film from Kamal Amrohi marks a highpoint in the era of classical Hindi film.