In the world of cinema, where actors are often hailed for their performances, it is the writers who lay the foundation of a strong script. Today, we will be discussing one such writer who went through major highs and lows in her life. Her struggle for survival was immense. She once worked as a bar dancer and was even pushed into prostitution. Yes, that’s right. If you are wondering who this writer is, we are talking about Shagufta Rafique.
Who is Shagufta Rafique?
Shagufta Rafique is the creative mind behind some of Bollywood’s biggest hits, particularly for stars like Emraan Hashmi and Aditya Roy Kapur. The woman who penned films such as Woh Lamhe, Murder 2, Jannat 2, Aashiqui 2, Jism 2, and Raaz 3D, Shagufta Rafique’s real-life journey has been every bit as dramatic as the stories she brought to the screen.
How was Shagufta Rafique’s early life?
Shagufta was adopted and raised by a woman who had a connection with a wealthy Kolkata-based businessman. However, the nature of their relationship was never established. After the businessman died, Shagufta and her family were left to fend for themselves. By the time Shagufta turned 11, she had started dancing at private parties to support her adoptive mother.
She would earn Rs 700 a night, and that became her bread and butter for years. Reflecting on those days, she once told Al Jazeera, “The whole thing made me see very early how vulnerable women are, and how money decides what is respectable and what is not.”
At the age of 17, Shagufta became the mistress of a wealthy man, a relationship she later described as the darkest phase of her life. In search of stability, she remained in it for several years despite the emotional trauma it caused.
After finally walking away, she was pushed into prostitution. In a bid to survive and make ends meet, Shagufta later worked as a bar dancer.
Shagufta’s big breakthrough
In 2002, Shagufta’s life changed forever after she met director Mahesh Bhatt. She expressed her willingness to write films, and Bhatt recognised her talent.
Over the years, Shagufta received several opportunities and went on to contribute to films such as Woh Lamhe, Awarapan, Raaz 2, Murder 2, and Aashiqui 2.