Alia Bhatt’s upcoming film ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ seems to be mired in controversies even before its release. Mumbai’s Mazgaon court has sent summons to the film’s director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, actor Alia Bhatt and the writers, asking them to appear on May 21. This summon has been sent on the petition of Babu Ravji Shah, who claims to be the adopted son of Gangubai Kathiawadi. In his petition, Shah has alleged that the film tarnishes the image of Gangubai.
According to a report by The Times of India, Shah had earlier filed a petition in the Mumbai Civil Court seeking a moratorium on the film and trailer, but it was dismissed.
Story of Gangubai
‘Gangubai Kathiwadi’ is based on the book ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’ by film writer Hussain Zaidi. Gangubai Kothewali was called the queen of Kamathipura.
At that time of Gangubai, it was the status that big people were afraid of his name. Close proximity to Mumbai mafia and access to leaders made Gangubai Kothewali the queen of Kamathipura.
Ganga had fled to Mumbai with her father’s accountant, who sold them to a brothel. And similarly Ganga of Kathiawar became Gangubai in Kathimpura, Mumbai.
Gangubai always stood for the rights of sex workers. Her speech in favor of sex workers at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai was heavily covered by the local newspapers. The book also mentions about Gangubai meeting Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of the country.
Gangubai also adopted many children, who lived there with them. These children were either orphans, or homeless. Gangubai had taken the responsibility of studying and raising these children.
Alia Bhatt starrer ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ will be released on July 30.
