The Courtesans of Bombay

The Courtesans of Bombay 1983 Directed by Ismail Merchant

In the Mumbai, India, tenement community of Pavanpul, young female courtesans sing, dance and perform sexual favors for male clientele. Directors James Ivory and Ismail Merchant blend documentary footage and dramatic reenactments in their exploration of this seamy underworld, the flip side of the Bollywood film industry, where aspiring actors and dancers -- some even sold into prostitution by their own families -- end up, with their innocence lost and their hopes for movie stardom shattered.

Countries United Kingdom , USA

Production Country United Kingdom

Language English

Spoken Language English

Gnere Documentary

Production Company Merchant Ivory Productions

Release Date 1 January 1983

74 mins