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Professional dancing girls were among the most popular early postcard subjects
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The life of nautch or dancing girls continues to fascinate early and modern audiences. These two dancing girls are probably from Lucknow as the painting in the studio background on the left recalls the Chutter Manzil in Lucknow (see link below). In fact, one of the first Urdu novels in the 19th century, and 20th century hit film Umrao Jaan (1981) told the story of a Lucknow nautch girl (played by Rekhha).
Bollywood films on nautch girls (also called tawaaifs) glamorize as well as provide a glimpse of the dark lives of these artists beneath the gloss of the profession. Many were accomplished dancers and had a good understanding of music and poetry, but led a life that was confined and at the whim of their patrons.  |
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© imagesofasia |
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