This book is the Urdu translation of Taboo! The Hidden Culture of a Red Light Area. It is a journey of discovery into the notorious red light district of Lahore, Pakistan, known as the Shahi Mohalla (the Royal Bazaar), or Heera Mandi (the
diamond market). The phenomenon of prostitution coupled with music and dance performances has ancient roots in South Asia. Regardless of the stigma attached to prostitution, it has given birth for centuries to many well-known performing
artists. The book paints a more realistic picture of the phenomenon through the stories of the people living there: the musicians, the prostitutes, and their pimps, managers, and customers.