Shekhar Suman feels sex workers keep society safe: ‘Contribution is immense’

Shekhar Suman portrays Nawab Zulfikar in Heeramandi. The epic series is set in Lahore’s red-light district prior to partition.

Shekhar Suman’s portrayal in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi has received tremendous acclaim from filmgoers. The actor played a Nawab (a royal title suggesting a sovereign monarch, especially of a South Asian kingdom, comparable to the Western title of a Prince) from the British Raj in the epic program. Shekhar recently spoke with Radio Nasha about how sex workers provide a ‘immense contribution’ to society. (See also: Manisha Koirala recalls her personal sequence with Shekhar Suman in Heeramandi was not part of the screenplay.)

Shekhar blames society for the mistreatment of sex workers.
Heeramandi represents the interaction between Nawabs and courtesans. Shekhar noted that courtesans are sometimes misunderstood as mere sex workers. He stated, “It is civilization that has shaped them in this way. It has been repeatedly stated on the show that no woman chooses to be a prostitute. Circumstances frequently lead a woman to become a sex worker. Despite this, they have made significant contributions to society. Jahan se hum aate hai, jis tareeka The culture is safe because males can channel their sexual need towards sex workers.

Shekhar Suman considers Heeramandi a ‘institution’.
Shekhar said, “Kids were transported there, and nawabs would study from them. Heeramandi made a significant contribution; it was an institution, but we have always treated courtesans differently. There is nothing. What’s wrong with becoming a courtesan? In Heeramandi, their crucial contribution to the liberation cause was also highlighted. They died unsung and unknown.”

About Heeramandi.
Heeramandi is set between the 1920s and 1940s, during the height of India’s independence revolution. Aside from Shekhar, his son Adhyayan Suman plays Nawab Zoravar and young Nawab Zulfikar in the series. Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sharmin Segal, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, and Farida Jalal all play significant roles in the epic production.

Heeramandi is available on Netflix.