Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Heeramandi,” now available on Netflix, resurrects the essence of Lahore’s Shahi Mohalla, originally designated for Tawaifs. Among its tales are those of women who transitioned from the world of Kothas to pursue alternate careers.
Today, we spotlight one such individual, a native of Lahore’s Heera Mandi, renowned for her exceptional dancing prowess and allure to prominent film producers of her era—Niggo.
Born Nargis Begum within the confines of Heera Mandi, she honed her craft in Mujras from a young age. However, her trajectory altered dramatically upon entering the Pakistan Film Industry, marking the onset of a tragic saga.
Nargis, rechristened Niggo, captured the attention of a Lollywood producer in 1964, leading to her debut as an item dancer in the film “Ishrat.” From there, her ascent in the industry was meteoric, starring in nearly a hundred films, including Urdu and Punjabi adaptations of Bollywood classics.
Niggo’s talent and finesse made her the most sought-after item girl in Pakistan, commanding top fees for her performances. In 1972, she found love with Khawaja Mazhar, a producer working on her film “Qusu,” culminating in marriage and her departure from Heera Mandi.
Back then, it was the norm to offer compensation for ‘tawaifs’ selected from Heera Mandi. Departing from the brothels of this red-light district without providing recompense to the family was unheard of. After Niggo’s marriage and departure, her mother orchestrated a sinister scheme by feigning illness.
Although the actress returned to care for her supposedly ailing mother, she fell victim to manipulation by her entire family and the community of Heera Mandi.
Despite her husband’s earnest pleas for her return, she remained steadfast, unwilling to abandon her family.
After failed attempts, there came a day when Niggo’s husband lost his calm and drove his car to Heera Mandi. The actress was at her mother’s home when her husband opened fire at her, killing her. Two of her uncles also died in the unfortunate incident.
Khawaja Mazhar was sentenced to lifetime imprisonment and died a natural death many years later at his ancestral home in Pakistan.
This poignant narrative serves as a reminder of the complexities embedded within societal norms and personal aspirations, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of Heera Mandi’s history.