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| race = [[Indian people]] | | race = [[Indian people]] | ||
| occupation = [[Tawaif]]<br />[[Courtesan]] | | occupation = [[Tawaif]]<br />[[Courtesan]] | ||
| gender = [[Female]] | | gender = [[Female]] | ||
| religion = [[Hindu]] | | religion = [[Hindu]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''''Chandramukhi''''' is one of the pivotal characters in the 1917 [[Bengali novels|Bengali novel]] ''[[Devdas]]'' by [[Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay]]. Her character was inspired by the [[Hindu]] [[Mysticism|mystical]] singer [[Meera]], who devoted her life to Lord [[Krishna]]; similarly Chandramukhi devoted her life to Devdas.<ref>{{cite book |last=Guha |first=Srejara |title=Devdas: a novel |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=28RjAAAAMAAJ&q=chandramukhi+meera&dq=chandramukhi+meera&hl=en&sa=X&ei=H_89T6vSMovqrQeB0tCwBw&redir_esc=y |accessdate=17 February 2012 |year=2002 |publisher=Penguin Books |isbn=978-0-14-302926-7 |page=9}}</ref> Chandramukhi is portrayed as a [[hooker with a heart of gold]] in the novel and its film adaptations.<ref>{{cite news|title=Heart of gold, speckled with sin |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2008/01/21/stories/2008012150640300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011081507/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2008/01/21/stories/2008012150640300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 October 2008 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |author=Vidya Pradhan |date=21 Jan 2008 |accessdate=16 Feb 2012}}</ref> Chandramukhi means "moon faced" or "as beautiful as the moon" in [[Sanskrit]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Of Names of Women in Hindi Cinema: An Exploration in Semantics|first=Anindita|last=Ghose|publisher=[[e-Social Science]]s|date=August 2006|url=http://www.esocialsciences.com/data/articles/Document12592006460.2453272.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410043649/http://www.esocialsciences.com/data/articles/Document12592006460.2453272.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2011-04-10|accessdate=16 Feb 2012|page=11|quote=Madhuri Dixit in ‘Devdas’ (2002) is Chandramukhi which means ‘moon faced’.}}</ref> | '''''Chandramukhi''''' is one of the pivotal characters in the 1917 [[Bengali novels|Bengali novel]] ''[[Devdas]]'' by [[Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay]]. Her character was inspired by the [[Hindu]] [[Mysticism|mystical]] singer [[Meera]], who devoted her life to Lord [[Krishna]]; similarly Chandramukhi devoted her life to Devdas.<ref>{{cite book |last=Guha |first=Srejara |title=Devdas: a novel |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=28RjAAAAMAAJ&q=chandramukhi+meera&dq=chandramukhi+meera&hl=en&sa=X&ei=H_89T6vSMovqrQeB0tCwBw&redir_esc=y |accessdate=17 February 2012 |year=2002 |publisher=Penguin Books |isbn=978-0-14-302926-7 |page=9}}</ref> Chandramukhi is portrayed as a [[hooker with a heart of gold]] in the novel and its film adaptations.<ref>{{cite news|title=Heart of gold, speckled with sin |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2008/01/21/stories/2008012150640300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011081507/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2008/01/21/stories/2008012150640300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 October 2008 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |author=Vidya Pradhan |date=21 Jan 2008 |accessdate=16 Feb 2012}}</ref> Chandramukhi means "moon faced" or "as beautiful as the moon" in [[Sanskrit]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Of Names of Women in Hindi Cinema: An Exploration in Semantics|first=Anindita|last=Ghose|publisher=[[e-Social Science]]s|date=August 2006|url=http://www.esocialsciences.com/data/articles/Document12592006460.2453272.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410043649/http://www.esocialsciences.com/data/articles/Document12592006460.2453272.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2011-04-10|accessdate=16 Feb 2012|page=11|quote=Madhuri Dixit in ‘Devdas’ (2002) is Chandramukhi which means ‘moon faced’.}}</ref> | ||
==In the novel== | ==In the novel== | ||
Chandramukhi is a [[courtesan]] who lives in [[Calcutta]] also known as Kolkata. She is considered the most beautiful and richest prostitute in the area of [[Chitpur]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Shubha Tiwari |title=Indian fiction in English translation |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XAc-7MEyrJgC&pg=PA83&dq=chandramukhi&hl=en&sa=X&ei=sjk8T_bmGaq5iAfM8ZT7CQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=chandramukhi&f=false |accessdate=2012-02-16 |year=2005 |publisher=New Delhi Atlantic Publication |isbn=978-81-269-0450-1 |page=151}}</ref> She is first introduced to Devdas by Chunnilal, who returns to Calcutta heartbroken after the marriage of Parvathi "Paro". Devdas, disgusted over Chandramukhi's profession insults her and leaves her [[Brothel|kotha]]. Chandramukhi, impressed by Devdas's attitude, later falls in love with him after realizing his steadfast love for Paro. She leaves her profession for Devdas and convinces him to marry her; he, however, has to reluctantly reject her offer as he has devoted his life to Paro. In return, Chandramukhi does not force him to be with her but waits patiently for him. Subsequently, she also moves to Ashthajhari village, where she lives in a muddy house located at the bank of a river and helps the needy. | Chandramukhi is a [[courtesan]] who lives in [[Calcutta]] also known as Kolkata. She is considered the most beautiful and richest prostitute in the area of [[Chitpur]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Shubha Tiwari |title=Indian fiction in English translation |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XAc-7MEyrJgC&pg=PA83&dq=chandramukhi&hl=en&sa=X&ei=sjk8T_bmGaq5iAfM8ZT7CQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=chandramukhi&f=false |accessdate=2012-02-16 |year=2005 |publisher=New Delhi Atlantic Publication |isbn=978-81-269-0450-1 |page=151}}</ref> She is first introduced to Devdas by Chunnilal, who returns to Calcutta heartbroken after the marriage of Parvathi "Paro". Devdas, disgusted over Chandramukhi's profession insults her and leaves her [[Brothel|kotha]]. Chandramukhi, impressed by Devdas's attitude, later falls in love with him after realizing his steadfast love for Paro. She leaves her profession for Devdas and convinces him to marry her; he, however, has to reluctantly reject her offer as he has devoted his life to Paro. In return, Chandramukhi does not force him to be with her but waits patiently for him. Subsequently, she also moves to Ashthajhari village, where she lives in a muddy house located at the bank of a river and helps the needy. Sadly, her interaction with [https://www.himalmag.com/devdas-dev/#:~:text=Devdas%20is%20a%20complex%20character,end%20of%20his%20own%20making. Devdas] never happens due his passing. | ||
==In the film== | ==In the film== | ||
[[File:P.C. Barua and Chandrabati Devi - Bengali version of Devdas (1935).jpg|right|thumb|[[Chandrabati Devi]] as Chandramukhi and [[Pramathesh Barua]] as [[Devdas]] in the 1935 [[Cinema of West Bengal|Bengali film]] ''[[Devdas (1935 film)|Devdas]]'']] | [[File:P.C. Barua and Chandrabati Devi - Bengali version of Devdas (1935).jpg|right|thumb|[[Chandrabati Devi]] as Chandramukhi and [[Pramathesh Barua]] as [[Devdas]] in the 1935 [[Cinema of West Bengal|Bengali film]] ''[[Devdas (1935 film)|Devdas]]'']] | ||
In most of the film adaptations of ''Devdas'', the story of Chandramukhi is similar to the novel. However, in most of the films her [[Humanitarianism|humanitarian]] work in helping the needy is not depicted. Unlike in the novel, a scene in which Chandramukhi and Parvathi meet was added in [[Bimal Roy]]'s [[Devdas (1955 film)|1955 version]] when Paro, played by [[Suchitra Sen]] riding in a [[Pulled rickshaw|human rickshaw]], comes across Chandramukhi, played by [[Vyjayanthimala]], who just stares at Paro without a single word being exchanged between them.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Devdas Phenomenon |url=http://www.uiowa.edu/~incinema/DEVDAS.html |publisher=[[University of Iowa]] |author=Corey K. Creekmur |date=13 December 2001 |accessdate=18 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113071438/http://www.uiowa.edu/~incinema/DEVDAS.html |archive-date=13 January 2012 }}</ref> The meeting scene of Paro and Chandramukhi in the 1955 version was still regarded as one of the memorable scene in Bollywood with the background music adding the impact to the scene.<ref name="Devdas Hindu review">{{cite news|title=Devdas (1955) |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/article657430.ece |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |author=Vijay Lokapally |date=20 February 2009 |accessdate=7 March 2012}}</ref> In the [[Devdas (2002 Hindi film)|2002 version]], the director, [[Sanjay Leela Bhansali]], extended the interaction between Paro and Chandramukhi, also showing them dancing together to the hit song "[[Dola Re Dola]]".<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Fighting Queens |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/glitterati.aspx?322 |magazine=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook (magazine)]] |date=13 December 2001 |accessdate=18 February 2012}}</ref> | In most of the film adaptations of ''Devdas'', the story of Chandramukhi is similar to the novel. However, in most of the films her [[Humanitarianism|humanitarian]] work in helping the needy is not depicted. Unlike in the novel, a scene in which Chandramukhi and Parvathi meet was added in [[Bimal Roy]]'s [[Devdas (1955 film)|1955 version]] when Paro, played by [[Suchitra Sen]] riding in a [[Pulled rickshaw|human rickshaw]], comes across Chandramukhi, played by [[Vyjayanthimala]], who just stares at Paro without a single word being exchanged between them.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Devdas Phenomenon |url=http://www.uiowa.edu/~incinema/DEVDAS.html |publisher=[[University of Iowa]] |author=Corey K. Creekmur |date=13 December 2001 |accessdate=18 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113071438/http://www.uiowa.edu/~incinema/DEVDAS.html |archive-date=13 January 2012 }}</ref> The meeting scene of Paro and Chandramukhi in the 1955 version was still regarded as one of the memorable scene in Bollywood with the background music adding the impact to the scene.<ref name="Devdas Hindu review">{{cite news|title=Devdas (1955) |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/article657430.ece |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |author=Vijay Lokapally |date=20 February 2009 |accessdate=7 March 2012}}</ref> In the [[Devdas (2002 Hindi film)|2002 version]], the director, [[Sanjay Leela Bhansali]], extended the interaction between Paro and Chandramukhi, also showing them dancing together to the hit song "[[Dola Re Dola]]".<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Fighting Queens |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/glitterati.aspx?322 |magazine=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook (magazine)]] |date=13 December 2001 |accessdate=18 February 2012}}</ref> | ||
==Performers== | ==Performers== | ||
{| class="wikitable sortable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" | ||
| Line 71: | Line 67: | ||
| 2018 || ''[[Daas Dev]]'' || [[Aditi Rao Hydari]] || [[Hindi]] || [[Rahul Bhatt]] || [[Richa Chadda]] || modern-day take on ''[[Devdas]]'' | | 2018 || ''[[Daas Dev]]'' || [[Aditi Rao Hydari]] || [[Hindi]] || [[Rahul Bhatt]] || [[Richa Chadda]] || modern-day take on ''[[Devdas]]'' | ||
|} | |} | ||
==Social impact== | ==Social impact== | ||
Chandramukhi is one of the first characters in an Indian novel to deal with prostitution.<ref>{{cite book |author=Lindsay J. Proudfoot, M. M. Roche |title=(Dis)placing empire: renegotiating British colonial geographies |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RMqXV1ikToQC&pg=PA160&dq=chandramukhi+social&hl=en&sa=X&ei=q1U_T9CUKIHVrQf2toXIBw&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=chandramukhi%20social&f=false |accessdate=18 February 2012 |year=2005 |publisher=Ashgate Publishing Limited |isbn=0-7546-4213-5 |page=160}}</ref> She was often depicted as a prostitute with a heart of gold.<ref>{{cite book |author=Sumita S. Chakravarty |title=National identity in Indian popular cinema, 1947-1987 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l8T0uwJtMxkC&pg=PA270&dq=chandramukhi+social&hl=en&sa=X&ei=iF0_T-LBAo7JrAfd7ri0Bw&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=chandramukhi%20social&f=false |accessdate=18 February 2012 |year=1993 |publisher=Harward Academic Publication |isbn=978-0-292-71156-3 |page=271}}</ref> The character of Chandramukhi had paved the way | Chandramukhi is one of the first characters in an Indian novel to deal with prostitution.<ref>{{cite book |author=Lindsay J. Proudfoot, M. M. Roche |title=(Dis)placing empire: renegotiating British colonial geographies |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RMqXV1ikToQC&pg=PA160&dq=chandramukhi+social&hl=en&sa=X&ei=q1U_T9CUKIHVrQf2toXIBw&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=chandramukhi%20social&f=false |accessdate=18 February 2012 |year=2005 |publisher=Ashgate Publishing Limited |isbn=0-7546-4213-5 |page=160}}</ref> She was often depicted as a prostitute with a heart of gold.<ref>{{cite book |author=Sumita S. Chakravarty |title=National identity in Indian popular cinema, 1947-1987 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l8T0uwJtMxkC&pg=PA270&dq=chandramukhi+social&hl=en&sa=X&ei=iF0_T-LBAo7JrAfd7ri0Bw&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=chandramukhi%20social&f=false |accessdate=18 February 2012 |year=1993 |publisher=Harward Academic Publication |isbn=978-0-292-71156-3 |page=271}}</ref> The character of Chandramukhi had paved the way for other portrayals of prostitutes in films like [[Sadhna]], [[Pyaasa]] and [[Pakeezah]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Meghnad Desai |title=Nehru's hero Dilip Kumar in the life of India |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ayRlAAAAMAAJ&q=chandramukhi+sadhna&dq=chandramukhi+sadhna&hl=en&sa=X&ei=B2E_T66JCcvOrQeh09m-Bw&ved=0CDcQ6AEwAA |accessdate=18 February 2012 |year=2004 |publisher=Lotus Collection, Roli Books |isbn=978-81-7436-311-4 |page=95}}</ref> Actresses such as [[Nargis]], [[Suraiya]] and [[Bina Rai]] refused to enact the role of a prostitute in the 1955 film of ''Devdas'', which later went to [[Vyjayanthimala]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2002/jul/05ghosh.htm |title='I did not approve of Vyjayanthimala as Chandramukhi' |date=5 Jul 2002 |author=Lata Khubchandani |accessdate=18 Feb 2012 |work=[[Rediff]]}}</ref> | ||
==Legacy== | ==Legacy== | ||
Chandramukhi was well-received in [[India]] by [[critic]]s. In 2006, ''[[Rediff]]'' listed | Chandramukhi was well-received in [[India]] by [[critic]]s. In 2006, ''[[Rediff]]'' listed Chandramukhi in their list of "Bollywood's Best [[Tawaif]]".<ref name="Bollywood Best Tawaif">{{cite web|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/oct/30slid3.htm|title=Bollywood's top tawaifs|date=30 Oct 2006|author=Dinesh Raheja|author-link=Dinesh Raheja|accessdate=18 Feb 2012|work=[[Rediff]]}}</ref> [[Nikhat Kazmi]] of ''[[The Times of India]]'' also ranked ''Chandramukhi'' at #5 in his list "Tart with a heart", saying that "The egotistical Paro may have given her boy friend the goby, but self-sacricficing Chandramukhi was willing to put everything on hold — her livelihood too — for her lover".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-01-16/news-interviews/28116906_1_prostitutes-heart-myths/3 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709081800/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-01-16/news-interviews/28116906_1_prostitutes-heart-myths/3 |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 July 2012 |title=Tart with a heart |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=16 January 2006 |author=Nikhat Kazmi |author-link=Nikhat Kazmi |accessdate=20 March 2011}}</ref> | ||
==Awards== | ==Awards== | ||
There are many actresses who have portrayed ''Chandramukhi'' in [[Devdas#Film, TV, and theatrical adaptations|film adaptations]] of ''Devdas''. The first notable award was won by [[Vyjayanthimala]] in 1956 when she won the [[Filmfare Awards]], known as [[Bollywood]]'s [[Academy Award|Oscar]],<ref name="Mishra 9">{{citation|first=Vijay|last=Mishra|title=Bollywood Cinema: A Critical Genealogy|page=9|publisher=[[Victoria University of Wellington]]|url=http://www.victoria.ac.nz/slc/asi/publications/17-bollywood.pdf|accessdate=2012-02-18|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6AuRY3TFd?url=http://www.victoria.ac.nz/slc/asi/publications/17-bollywood.pdf|archive-date=2012-09-24}}</ref> in the [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress|Supporting Actress category]]. However, she was also the first person to decline the award, as she thought that her role was not a supporting one but was of equal importance and parallel to that of Parvathy in the [[Devdas (1955 film)|1955 version]].<ref>{{cite news|title=A star spangled evening |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/jun/22spec1.htm|date=22 Jun 2012 |publisher=[[Rediff]]|author=Sheela Bhatt |accessdate=18 Feb 2012 |location=Mumbai, Maharashtra}}</ref> Other actresses who played Chandramukhi in Hindi versions of the novel have also won this award.<ref name="Bollywood Best Tawaif"/> | There are many actresses who have portrayed ''Chandramukhi'' in [[Devdas#Film, TV, and theatrical adaptations|film adaptations]] of ''Devdas''. The first notable award was won by [[Vyjayanthimala]] in 1956 when she won the [[Filmfare Awards]], known as [[Bollywood]]'s [[Academy Award|Oscar]],<ref name="Mishra 9">{{citation|first=Vijay|last=Mishra|title=Bollywood Cinema: A Critical Genealogy|page=9|publisher=[[Victoria University of Wellington]]|url=http://www.victoria.ac.nz/slc/asi/publications/17-bollywood.pdf|accessdate=2012-02-18|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6AuRY3TFd?url=http://www.victoria.ac.nz/slc/asi/publications/17-bollywood.pdf|archive-date=2012-09-24}}</ref> in the [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress|Supporting Actress category]]. However, she was also the first person to decline the award, as she thought that her role was not a supporting one but was of equal importance and parallel to that of Parvathy in the [[Devdas (1955 film)|1955 version]].<ref>{{cite news|title=A star spangled evening |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/jun/22spec1.htm|date=22 Jun 2012 |publisher=[[Rediff]]|author=Sheela Bhatt |accessdate=18 Feb 2012 |location=Mumbai, Maharashtra}}</ref> Other actresses who played Chandramukhi in Hindi versions of the novel have also won this award.<ref name="Bollywood Best Tawaif"/> | ||
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|<ref>{{cite news|date=April 17, 2014|title=মেরিল—প্রথম আলো পুরস্কার ২০১৩|language=bn|trans-title=Meril Prothom Alo Award, 2013|newspaper=Prothom Alo|url=http://www.prothom-alo.com/entertainment/article/194056/%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B2%E2%80%94%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A5%E0%A6%AE-%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%8B-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A7%A8%E0%A7%A6%E0%A7%A7%E0%A7%A9}}</ref> | |<ref>{{cite news|date=April 17, 2014|title=মেরিল—প্রথম আলো পুরস্কার ২০১৩|language=bn|trans-title=Meril Prothom Alo Award, 2013|newspaper=Prothom Alo|url=http://www.prothom-alo.com/entertainment/article/194056/%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B2%E2%80%94%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A5%E0%A6%AE-%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%8B-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A7%A8%E0%A7%A6%E0%A7%A7%E0%A7%A9}}</ref> | ||
|} | |} | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* ''[[Chandramukhi]]'' (2005) Tamil film | * ''[[Chandramukhi]]'' (2005) Tamil film | ||
* [[List of prostitutes and courtesans]] | * [[List of prostitutes and courtesans]] | ||
* [[Hooker with a heart of gold]] | * [[Hooker with a heart of gold]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160809034909/http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0035841/ Chandramukhi] on [[IMDb]] | * [https://web.archive.org/web/20160809034909/http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0035841/ Chandramukhi] on [[IMDb]] | ||
{{Devdas}} | {{Devdas}} | ||
[[Category:Drama film characters]] | [[Category:Drama film characters]] | ||
[[Category:Fictional Bengali people]] | [[Category:Fictional Bengali people]] | ||
Revision as of 19:09, 26 January 2022
| Chandramukhi | |
|---|---|
| Devdas character | |
| File:Vyjayanthimala in Devdas.jpg Vyjayanthimala as Chandramukhi in Devdas | |
| Created by | Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay |
| Portrayed by | Chandrabati Devi Vyjayanthimala Supriya Devi Kalki Koechlin Anwara Madhuri Dixit For more "Performers" |
| In-universe information | |
| Alias | Chandrika |
| Nickname | Leni |
| Race | Indian people |
| Gender | Female |
| Occupation | Tawaif Courtesan |
| Religion | Hindu |
Chandramukhi is one of the pivotal characters in the 1917 Bengali novel Devdas by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. Her character was inspired by the Hindu mystical singer Meera, who devoted her life to Lord Krishna; similarly Chandramukhi devoted her life to Devdas.[1] Chandramukhi is portrayed as a hooker with a heart of gold in the novel and its film adaptations.[2] Chandramukhi means "moon faced" or "as beautiful as the moon" in Sanskrit.[3]
In the novel
Chandramukhi is a courtesan who lives in Calcutta also known as Kolkata. She is considered the most beautiful and richest prostitute in the area of Chitpur.[4] She is first introduced to Devdas by Chunnilal, who returns to Calcutta heartbroken after the marriage of Parvathi "Paro". Devdas, disgusted over Chandramukhi's profession insults her and leaves her kotha. Chandramukhi, impressed by Devdas's attitude, later falls in love with him after realizing his steadfast love for Paro. She leaves her profession for Devdas and convinces him to marry her; he, however, has to reluctantly reject her offer as he has devoted his life to Paro. In return, Chandramukhi does not force him to be with her but waits patiently for him. Subsequently, she also moves to Ashthajhari village, where she lives in a muddy house located at the bank of a river and helps the needy. Sadly, her interaction with Devdas never happens due his passing.
In the film
.jpg)
In most of the film adaptations of Devdas, the story of Chandramukhi is similar to the novel. However, in most of the films her humanitarian work in helping the needy is not depicted. Unlike in the novel, a scene in which Chandramukhi and Parvathi meet was added in Bimal Roy's 1955 version when Paro, played by Suchitra Sen riding in a human rickshaw, comes across Chandramukhi, played by Vyjayanthimala, who just stares at Paro without a single word being exchanged between them.[5] The meeting scene of Paro and Chandramukhi in the 1955 version was still regarded as one of the memorable scene in Bollywood with the background music adding the impact to the scene.[6] In the 2002 version, the director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, extended the interaction between Paro and Chandramukhi, also showing them dancing together to the hit song "Dola Re Dola".[7]
Performers
Social impact
Chandramukhi is one of the first characters in an Indian novel to deal with prostitution.[9] She was often depicted as a prostitute with a heart of gold.[10] The character of Chandramukhi had paved the way for other portrayals of prostitutes in films like Sadhna, Pyaasa and Pakeezah.[11] Actresses such as Nargis, Suraiya and Bina Rai refused to enact the role of a prostitute in the 1955 film of Devdas, which later went to Vyjayanthimala.[12]
Legacy
Chandramukhi was well-received in India by critics. In 2006, Rediff listed Chandramukhi in their list of "Bollywood's Best Tawaif".[13] Nikhat Kazmi of The Times of India also ranked Chandramukhi at #5 in his list "Tart with a heart", saying that "The egotistical Paro may have given her boy friend the goby, but self-sacricficing Chandramukhi was willing to put everything on hold — her livelihood too — for her lover".[14]
Awards
There are many actresses who have portrayed Chandramukhi in film adaptations of Devdas. The first notable award was won by Vyjayanthimala in 1956 when she won the Filmfare Awards, known as Bollywood's Oscar,[15] in the Supporting Actress category. However, she was also the first person to decline the award, as she thought that her role was not a supporting one but was of equal importance and parallel to that of Parvathy in the 1955 version.[16] Other actresses who played Chandramukhi in Hindi versions of the novel have also won this award.[13]
The following are awards and nominations received by actresses who have played the role of Chandramukhi in film:
| Year | Film | Nominee | Award | Result | Note | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1957 | Devdas | Vyjayanthimala | Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress | Won | She refused to accept the award as she thought that Chandramukhi and Parvathi were parallel roles and not a main and a supporting role | [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] |
| 2002 | Devdas | Madhuri Dixit | Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress | |||
| Screen Award for Best Supporting Actress | ||||||
| Zee Cine Award for Best Actor – Female | Nominated | |||||
| IIFA Award for Best Actress | ||||||
| 2010 | Dev.D | Kalki Koechlin | Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress | Won | ||
| Stardust Award for Breakthrough Performance – Female | Nominated | |||||
| 2013 | Devdas | Moushumi | Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Actress | Won | ||
| Meril-Prothom Alo Award for Best Film Actress (people’s choice) | Nom | [22] |
See also
- Chandramukhi (2005) Tamil film
- List of prostitutes and courtesans
- Hooker with a heart of gold
References
- ↑ Guha, Srejara (2002). Devdas: a novel. Penguin Books. p. 9. ISBN 978-0-14-302926-7. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
- ↑ Vidya Pradhan (21 Jan 2008). "Heart of gold, speckled with sin". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 11 October 2008. Retrieved 16 Feb 2012.
- ↑ Ghose, Anindita (August 2006). "Of Names of Women in Hindi Cinema: An Exploration in Semantics" (PDF). e-Social Sciences. p. 11. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-04-10. Retrieved 16 Feb 2012.
Madhuri Dixit in 'Devdas' (2002) is Chandramukhi which means 'moon faced'.
- ↑ Shubha Tiwari (2005). Indian fiction in English translation. New Delhi Atlantic Publication. p. 151. ISBN 978-81-269-0450-1. Retrieved 2012-02-16.
- ↑ Corey K. Creekmur (13 December 2001). "The Devdas Phenomenon". University of Iowa. Archived from the original on 13 January 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
- ↑ Vijay Lokapally (20 February 2009). "Devdas (1955)". The Hindu. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
- ↑ "Fighting Queens". Outlook (magazine). 13 December 2001. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
- ↑ Allan Koay (2 Apr 2007). "A new era". The Star (Malaysia). Retrieved 22 Feb 2012.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ Lindsay J. Proudfoot, M. M. Roche (2005). (Dis)placing empire: renegotiating British colonial geographies. Ashgate Publishing Limited. p. 160. ISBN 0-7546-4213-5. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
- ↑ Sumita S. Chakravarty (1993). National identity in Indian popular cinema, 1947-1987. Harward Academic Publication. p. 271. ISBN 978-0-292-71156-3. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
- ↑ Meghnad Desai (2004). Nehru's hero Dilip Kumar in the life of India. Lotus Collection, Roli Books. p. 95. ISBN 978-81-7436-311-4. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
- ↑ Lata Khubchandani (5 Jul 2002). "'I did not approve of Vyjayanthimala as Chandramukhi'". Rediff. Retrieved 18 Feb 2012.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Dinesh Raheja (30 Oct 2006). "Bollywood's top tawaifs". Rediff. Retrieved 18 Feb 2012.
- ↑ Nikhat Kazmi (16 January 2006). "Tart with a heart". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 March 2011.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ Mishra, Vijay, Bollywood Cinema: A Critical Genealogy (PDF), Victoria University of Wellington, p. 9, archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-09-24, retrieved 2012-02-18
- ↑ Sheela Bhatt (22 Jun 2012). "A star spangled evening". Mumbai, Maharashtra: Rediff. Retrieved 18 Feb 2012.
- ↑ "Vyjayanthimala". Upperstall. Retrieved 16 Feb 2012.
- ↑ "The Winners – 1956". Indiatimes. Retrieved 2012-02-16.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ Subhash K. Jha (2003-02-22). "Shah Rukh, Ash, Ajay Devgan's rich haul". Rediff. Retrieved 2012-02-16.
- ↑ Raymond Ronamai. "The winners of the 55th Filmfare Awards are..." Oneindia.in. Retrieved 2012-02-16.
- ↑ Bollywood Hungama News Network (2010-01-16). "Nominations for Max Stardust Awards 2010". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 2012-02-16.[permanent dead link]
- ↑ "মেরিল—প্রথম আলো পুরস্কার ২০১৩" [Meril Prothom Alo Award, 2013]. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). April 17, 2014.
External links
- Chandramukhi on IMDb