Shekhar Suman Credits Sex Workers for Societal Safety; ‘They Channelise Men’s Sexual Desire’
In a recent interview, Shekhar Suman has draw the difference between sex workers and courtesans. The actor said both the individuals are the product of the society.
Actor Shekhar Suman is all over the headlines these days, courtesy of his role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web series Heeramandi. Shekhar plays the role of Nawab Zulfikar, who is Mallika Jaan’s Sahab (played by Manish Koirala). Now, in a recent interview with Radio City, Shekhar Suman distinguished between sex workers and courtesans. The actor also said that both individuals are different from one another.
Shekhar emphasised the misunderstanding and unjust characterisation often associated with courtesans, who are frequently labelled solely as sex workers. During the interview, the actor said, “It is the society which has made them this way. A lot of times on the show, it has been spelt out that no woman becomes a prostitute out of choice. Circumstances often force a woman to become a sex worker.”
He further added, “Despite all of this, their contribution to the society is immense… Jaha se hum aate hai, jis tareeka ki bhookh jo mardo mein hai, uska jo channelise waha hota hai uski wajah se samaj bacha rehta hai (The society is safe because men get to channelise their sexual hunger through sex workers).”
Mentioning Heeramandi, Shekhar Suman said that the place was a hub of knowledge where people learnt skills like manners, art and music. He referred to the place as a ‘school‘ saying that even kids of nobles sought education.
“Kids were sent there, nawabs would learn from them. The contribution of Heeramandi was immense, it was an institution, but we have always viewed courtesans with a different connotation. There is nothing wrong with being a courtesan. In Heeramandi, their contribution to the freedom movement was also shown, which was significant. They died unsung, unknown,” Suman said.
About Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is based on the lives of Tawaifs. The series speaks the tale of power, deception, love and rebellion. Streaming on Netflix, the series features Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sharmin Segal Mehta, Farida Jalal, Fardeen Khan and Adhyayan Suman in key roles.
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