June 2 is observed as International Sex Workers Day every year to honour sex workers and recognise their working conditions. Sex Workers are looked down upon by the society and they face discrimination and disrespect. On the day in 1975, more than a hundred sex workers occupied Église Saint-Nizier in Lyon to draw attention to their inhumane working conditions.

On International Sex Workers Day 2021, here are a few actors who’ve played the role of a sex worker in films:

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Julia Roberts

Hollywood actor Julia Roberts played the role of a sex worker in ‘Pretty Woman’. Richard Gere plays the role of a wealthy business man who hires Hollywood sex worker Vivian Ward to be his escort for a week. The story revolves around their developing relationship and how Julia changes Gere.

Kareena Kapoor Khan

One of the most talked-about role of Kareena Kapoor was her character as a street smart prostitute in ‘Chameli’. Actor Rahul Bose plays the role of an investment banker in the film, where he meets Kareena and later befriends her. Kareena has also played the role of a sex-worker named in ‘Talash’, starring Aamir Khan.

Rani Mukherji

Rani Mukherji played the role of a sex worker in films like ‘Laga Chunari Mein Daag’, ‘Mangal Pandey’ and ‘Saawariya’.

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Aishwarya Rai Bachchan 

Aishwarya played the role of sex worker in the remake of ‘Umrao Jaan’. The film tells the story of Umrao, who is kidnapped and sold to a brothel. She falls in love with one of the patrons. However, her association with another patron makes her lover suspicious and destroys their relationship.

Rekha

One of the best role played by Rekha was in ‘Umrao Jaan’. The 1981 film revolved around Amiran, who is sold to a brothel by a corrupt cop after her father testifies against him.