Evergreen actress and yesteryear icon Rekha essayed the role of Amiran/Umrao Jaan in the 1981 film. The songs 'Dil Cheez Kya Hai' and 'In Ankhon Ki Masti Ke' have been stuck with cinephiles across generations. 

Years later, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan essayed the same role in the 2006 remake alongside her now husband Abhishek Bachchan. The JP Dutta directorial however failed to garner the same appreciation as the first installment. 

In the 2002 remake of the iconic film 'Devdas' Madhuri Dixit Nene played the role of Chandramukhi. The film was Sanjay Leela Bhansali's masterpiece. 

The 1960 historical drama Mughal-e-Azam featured Madhubala in the role of Anarkali. Her grace and beauty as a courtesan on screen remains unmatched to this day. 

Tragedy queen Meena Kumari played the role of Nargis/Sahibjaan in the 1972 musical romantic drama 'Pakeezah'. 

The 1966 film Amrapali saw dance legend Vyjayanthimala play the role of a courtesan during the Magadha empire. 

Coming to 'Heeramandi', Manisha Koirala will be seen as Mallikajaan, queen of Shahi Mahal. She governs over an aristocratic courtesan house. 

Sonakshi Sinha plays Fareedan, the daughter of Manisha's late nemesis, who raises problems in the household.

Aditi Rao Hydari plays Bibbojaan, daughter of Manisha Koirala, who joins the struggle for freedom alongside revolutionaries seeking India's independence from British domination.

Sharmin Segal plays Manisha's youngest daughter Alamzeb, who fantasises about falling in love with the son of a nobleman and wishes to escape Heeramandi.

Richa Chadha plays Lajjo, whose resilience echoes in the halls of Shahi Mahal.

Sanjeeda Shaikh stars as Waheeda, who is betrayed and silenced by fate and seeks to find redemption beyond beauty.