Umrao Jaan

A kotha keeper who, along with Husseini, runs the women’s quarters and guides Umrao’s early life at Khanum Jaan’s establishment. He embodies the interwoven dynamics of loyalty, power, and survival within the brothel world. His actions help shape Umrao’s return to the house and her navigation of its social rules.

Khanum Jaan’s associate and fellow kotha keeper who helps manage the troupe and interacts closely with Umrao. She represents the pragmatic, scheming side of the brothel’s hierarchy, balancing care and control in a tough environment. Her presence underscores the collective nature of the tawaif world and its survival tactics.

Kidnapped as a betrothed teen and renamed Umrao Jaan, she grows into an acclaimed poet and tawaif. Her artistry and charm grant her a certain power within the brothel, yet her identity remains constrained by social expectations and heartache. The dual nature of her life—artist and courtesan—drives the central tension of her story.

A nobleman who falls for Umrao but must marry for family honor, leaving her longing and heartbroken. His affection is genuine yet compromised by duty, highlighting the clash between personal desire and familial obligation. The relationship tests Umrao’s hopes for a conventional happy ending.

A wanted bandit with whom Umrao elopes, drawing her into a dangerous romance and a life on the run. His outlaw status complicates their bond and leads to tragedy, with police intervention sealing a fatal turn for their relationship. The arc emphasizes risk, passion, and the fragility of trust.

The Begum of Kanpur who is revealed to be Ram Dai, a woman abducted with Amiran years earlier. Her ultimate fate intersects with Nawab Sultan’s life, weaving a twist of identity and destiny across generations. Her storyline links early trauma to later power and marriage within the regional aristocracy.

A religious figure who appears within the community surrounding the kotha, contributing to the moral and social fabric of Umrao’s world. His role underscores the different authority structures that influence the lives of those inside the brothel and its environs.

A character connected to the kotha circle, contributing to its social dynamics and the broader network surrounding Khanum Jaan. While specifics aren’t detailed in the summary, she is part of the mosaic of those who inhabit the world of performance and reputation.

The madam of the kotha who runs the establishment and trains Umrao Jaan. She embodies the authority and management of a performing-house, shaping the careers and futures of the young women under her care. Her leadership anchors the tawaif ecosystem central to the narrative.