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» » Tawaif (1985)

Short summary

As director, this film was B.R.Chopra's last successful film. He directed a film for outside production after a very long time,the two films that he directed for outside producer were Shole and Chandni Chowk after which he set up his own banner and directed his own productions only.

This was the last film Rati Aghnihotri worked before getting married.

B.R.Chopra directed Tawaif after Nikaah, then he made his last film as director, Avam.

Deepak Parashar claimed that Rishi Kapoor did not want him in the film . He also mentioned that scenes that were narrated to him by B. R Chopra were not shot .

The film industry was surprised that Poonam Dhillon accepted a supporting role to Rati Agnihothri.

People advised B.R. Chopra not to sign Rati Agnihothri. They told him she did not suit the role. Rati on her part had to learn how to smoke and eat paan. She found both very hard. But continue to practice. Years later she stated she was surprised she mouthed such vulgar dialogues .

User reviews


  • comment
    • Author: Shomeshet
    A very enjoyable movie. Starts with plenty of comedy in the beginning but later on gets serious. It is a Muslim social. this is one of Rati Agnihotri's best roles and here she completely overshadows Rishi Kapoor
  • comment
    • Author: Ndlaitha
    B.R. Chopra, one of the most acclaimed Indian film-makers of all time, has given some of the most memorable films on female themes like "Insaaf Ka Tarazu," and "Nikaah." "Tawaif" remains relatively an underrated and unnoticed film by him. Tawaif stands for a courtesan or a prostitute and the film depicts prostitution is due to some unwanted circumstances of life and even under a prostitute dwells a lady who wants to live and love. The theme just beautifully unravels in the film with some touching sequences. The best thing of the film is the Urdu language it uses which feels just mesmerizing and the formal presentation of the setting and character just makes it a film to treasure. Rishi Kapoor, Rati Agnihotri, and Sushma Seth were the ones to give the best ones in the film. However it couldn't also avoid the regular characters of formulaic movies played by Kader Khan, or Asrani. Few songs are also good. Overall, it's the simplicity and the sensitivity with which the story is dealt, makes this film even a treat to watch. I had watched this film over 15 years and still today I'm touched with certain sequences of the film.

    Rating: 2 stars out of 4
  • comment
    • Author: Ballardana
    This film came out the year i was born in 1985 and i saw it on 2005 when i was 20. At the time i wasn't familiar with Rati Agnihotri cos I've only seen Coolie 30 times. I've seen her in very few films like Boxer and Zindagani and the recent Hum Tum and Yeh hai Jalwa. After watching Tawaif i have realised that she was a amazing actress. She is beautiful and talented and enacted the role of a tawaif (prostitute) superbly. This movie is among Bollywood's underrated films which won only 2 awards that year. Rishi Kapoor delivers a good performance, Poonam is alright, kader Khan is good in a brief role, but Rati stole the show. I rate this film highly as it has a little comedy, Family drama, emotions and romance.
  • comment
    • Author: Visonima
    Tawaif in India is synonymous with Geisha in Japan. And yet there is so little respect or understanding among the masses. This movie raises the bar and creates an opportunity for understanding.

    Art, money, power, humanity and criminal behaviour come together in this movie world of a Tawaif. The reality is a bit more harsh.

    This movie is about two women; and a man. The novel that one woman writes and the man (Rishi Kapoor) helps publish becomes the story of his life. Married to one, loving the other - what will become of him?

    As things go in art or in life, one wonders whether art is a reflection of life, or whether life is art.

    These were the questions Rati Agnihotri asks of herself, and finds an answer.

    I hope you do. I am still looking.
  • Cast overview, first billed only:
    Ashok Kumar Ashok Kumar - Mr. Nigam
    Rishi Kapoor Rishi Kapoor - Dawood Mohammed Ali Khan Yusuf Zahi
    Rati Agnihotri Rati Agnihotri - Sultana
    Poonam Dhillon Poonam Dhillon - Kaynat Mirza
    Deepak Parashar Deepak Parashar - Sulaiman (as Deepak Prashar)
    Asrani Asrani - Constable Pandya
    Sushma Seth Sushma Seth - Amina Bai
    Shammi Shammi - Mrs. Nigam
    Yunus Parvez Yunus Parvez - Umruddin
    Achala Nagar Achala Nagar - (as Achla Nagar)
    Sunita Singh Sunita Singh - Nadira
    Iftekhar Iftekhar - Lala Fakirchand
    Ashalata Wabgaonkar Ashalata Wabgaonkar - Kaynat's Mother (as Asha Lata)
    Ashok Sharma Ashok Sharma
    Deepak Sethi Deepak Sethi
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