The story of Manish Gaekwad is fascinating. And more so that of his mother, Rekha. Born to a woman who was married off as a child and later sold to a kotha (brothel) in Kolkata’s Bowbazar, Manish grew up in brothels. As Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ graces screens across the country and beyond, grabbing the spotlight and placing it over Kamathipura and its women, Rekhabai’s story has also been receiving a bit of the spotlight on social media.
Manish Gaekwad, a writer by profession, shared a picture of Alia Bhatt as ‘Gangubai’ on one side and on the other, a picture of his mother from the 1980s shot in the Kamathipura kotha district, Mumbai. The similarities are startling – a white saree, its pallu tucked in near the waist, a red bindi, and bangles.
“That’s my mother on the right Rekhabai. Almost same na, white saree, red bindi, bangles, qamar mein kassa pallu, dancing in 80s Kamathipura kotha district, Bombay, separated from Gangubai Kathiawadi by a few decades, but twinning by fate that unites them,” Manish wrote.
That's my mother on the right Rekhabai. Almost same na, white saree, red bindi, bangles, qamar mein kassa pallu, dancing in 80s Kamathipura kotha district, Bombay, separated from #GangubaiKathiawadi by a few decades, but twinning by fate that unites them.❤️ pic.twitter.com/PAq8sSzhru
— manishgaekwad (@manishgaekwad) February 26, 2022
Until a few days ago, his mother was in a hospital in Kolkata as she was being treated for several ailments. She now has been discharged. However, before leaving the hospital, he managed to click a picture of her and share it on Twitter.
Mother is still in the hospital in Calcutta, being treated for her multiple ailments. She will be discharged tomorrow. I didn’t tell her I saw #GangubaiKathiawadi and loved it. It will be a whole new experience seeing it with her soon. In sha allah.
— manishgaekwad (@manishgaekwad) February 26, 2022
So here she is Rekhabai, from her hospital bed, saying hello to “tyooter”, getting ready to go home today. I forgot to get her a change of clothes. “Kya hum nange ghar jayenge!” she chuckled. Her humour is indication she is well. Thank you all for your wishes.👍🏽🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/QzRGJbPOGe
— manishgaekwad (@manishgaekwad) February 27, 2022
Several people responded to his post and showered immense love on Rekhabai. Have a look:
Your mother is breathtakingly beautiful Manish… do share a photo of you two when she’s back home with you… sending you lots of best wishes for her speedy recovery
— poulomi das (@PoloDas) February 27, 2022
Oh Manish, seeing you after years. Glad I found you again after years. Aunty looks so beautiful❤️ Hope she feels better soon🤗
— ScottishLadki (Aakanksha Sadekar) (@scottishladki) February 27, 2022
Uncanny resemblance – it’s always heartwarming to see a son’s love & admiration for his mother 🙏🏻
— Anju (@anjushaaus) March 2, 2022
Your mom looks beautiful 🤍 Speedy recovery and hope she feels better soon.
— Priya Adivarekar (@priyaadivarekar) March 1, 2022
A beautiful coincidence!