With Mujra in decline, a neighbourhood that was once the nerve centre of Bombay’s courtesan culture struggles to stay alive, in the final episode of our podcast series. English Translation of Episode 4: A Crumbling Community Naseem Bhai: There were many shops selling perfumes. Perfumes used to sell very well, so there were lots of shops selling it. Not just perfumes, ladies’ accessories like lipstick, powder, etc. — there were shops selling these, too. But all those have shut now. The rent...

In this episode, a mother-daughter courtesan duo reflects on their divergent paths, and how much this matrilineal culture has changed in just one generation. English Translation of Episode 3: A Break With the Past Voiceover in English. Woman 1: You come here to enjoy. It is my job to make you fall in love with me. If I don’t show you love, how will you feel love for me? Woman 2: All my family members have cut off all ties from me because I entered this industry. They said, ‘We can’t kill her...

In Episode 2, a family of courtesans from the secretive Mujra community finally opens up. A trained Urdu poet and a singer-dancer discuss their craft and their place in society. English Translation of Episode 2: Voiceover in English, amid ambient conversations from Bachu Seth Ki Wadi. Woman 1: You come here to enjoy. It is my job to make you fall in love with me. If I don’t show you love, how will you feel love for me? Woman 2: All my family members have cut off all ties from me because...