1/6: There is no denying that Pakeezah is and will always be the best in this genre. A story about a courtesan, Sahib Jaan, who is on the quest to find love. / Image: IMDb

2/6: In her early years, Hema Malini gave the world a gem that few people talk about today. A woman who tastes the world of respect and then returns to the life of a courtesan. / Image: IMDb

1

3/6: K. Asif's iconic work with Mughal-e-Azam demonstrated how it should be done. A film that took over a decade to make. / Image: IMDb

4/6: Rekha dancing to Dil Chiz Kya Hain will always be the IT visual in Bollywood. Umrao Jaan tells the story of a woman who is living a curse she never should have. / Image: IMDb

5/6: Sanjay Leela Bhansali dared to adapt Devdas, giving this age-old story the most discussed twist. We're glad he dared. / Image: IMDb

6/6: Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Gangubai Kathiawadi, inspired by Hussain Zaidi's Mafia Queens of Mumbai, is based on the life of the brothel Madame. / Image: IMDb