July 19, 2025. | admin

How Kolkata’s Society Views Escort Service: Shifting Perceptions in the City of Joy

Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, has always been a city of contrasts, from the intellectual corridors of College Street to the romantic ghats of the Hooghly River. Known for its literary heritage, artistic spirit, and liberal thinking, Kolkata also houses a deeply rooted traditional mindset. And when it comes to the topic of escort services in Kolkata, opinions remain as layered and complex as the city itself.

While some sections of society view escorts through the lens of stigma, others are beginning to embrace a more modern, open-minded perspective. In this post, we explore how Kolkata’s society views the escort industry, breaking down the myths, cultural shifts, societal narratives, and even offering real-life experiences that showcase the evolution of thought in one of India’s most fascinating cities.

 

1. The Historical Lens: Conservatism Rooted in Morality

Traditionally, Kolkata’s society, like much of India, was built on Victorian-era morality, deeply influenced by colonial values and social expectations. Escorts, or any form of companionship services outside marriage, were often associated with moral decay or illicit behavior.

Common Perceptions in the Past:

• Escorts equate to prostitution
• Considered taboo and often linked to criminal activity
• Viewed as a threat to “family values”
• Discussed in hushed tones, never publicly acknowledged

Even within the educated circles, the general sentiment was: “This isn’t something respectable people talk about.”

 

2. The Present Landscape: Society at a Crossroads

Fast forward to 2025, the conversation has begun to shift.

Urbanization, exposure to global cultures, and the digital revolution have pushed Kolkata’s younger generation toward liberal attitudes and independent lifestyles. Dating apps, sexual wellness discussions, and media representation have helped normalize topics once deemed “immoral.”

Modern Perceptions Today:

• Escorts are seen as companions, not just sex workers
• Some regard them as lifestyle service providers  offering emotional support, social companionship, and discretion
• Middle- and upper-class professionals use services for business events, travel, or loneliness, not purely physical needs
• Slowly being viewed through a humanized and professional lens

 

3. Generational Divide: Old Values vs. New Freedoms

The age gap in perception is striking. While baby boomers and older Gen X individuals often retain conservative opinions, millennials and Gen Z approach the escort profession with curiosity, openness, and often empathy.

A Tale of Two Generations:

Case Study – Rahul (28, IT Professional):

“I travel a lot for work. Sometimes I hire an escort in Kolkata not just for intimacy, but for someone to talk to or go to a social event with. It’s professional, respectful, and frankly, none of anyone’s business.”

Versus – Mrs. Sinha (54, Retired Teacher):

“These services were never openly discussed in our time. We believed in monogamy and family structure. I worry that today’s youth are losing those values.”

The contrast is clear: modern society is evolving, but the change is uneven and deeply generational.

 

4. Media and Entertainment: Redefining Escort Identity

Bollywood and Bengali cinema have played a significant role in reshaping how escorts are perceived.

From movies like Chameli, Madhur Bhandarkar’s Calendar Girls, to OTT shows that portray escorts as complex human beings, not caricatures, the shift is evident.

In Bengali cinema, films such as Take One and Tasher Desh also hint at layered portrayals of sexuality and agency.

Key Influences:

• Web series and social media are humanizing sex workers and companions
• Real-life interviews and podcasts with Kolkata escorts gaining popularity
• Literature and theatre in Kolkata dare to touch these themes with nuance

These representations allow viewers to empathize rather than judge, challenging old stereotypes.

 

5. Class and Caste: The Underlying Layers

Let’s not forget Kolkata is also a city sharply divided by economic class and caste. How one perceives escort services often depends on their own position in the social hierarchy.

Insights:

• For the upper class: escorts are often seen as luxury lifestyle enhancers, part of modern urban life.
• For the working class: the concept may still be alien, frowned upon, or misunderstood.
• Among liberal intellectuals, often debated as a matter of personal freedom and bodily autonomy.
• Among conservative religious communities, still seen as sinful or unethical.

This intersectionality shows why Kolkata’s view on escorts is anything but monolithic.

 

6. Escorts Themselves: Voices from the Industry

To understand how society views escort services, we must also listen to the voices of those in the profession. Many escorts in Kolkata come from diverse backgrounds — some educated, some not, but all navigating a society that is both curious and judgmental.

Real-Life Snapshot – Maya (34, Independent Escort):

“I work with a few corporate clients and tourists. Some treat me like royalty; others treat me like dirt. Society is still confused. They enjoy our services but shame us publicly.”

Maya also shares that she often has to pretend to be a model or makeup artist when discussing her work in public spaces. There’s progress, but full acceptance remains elusive.

 

7. Escorting vs. Prostitution: The Need for Awareness

One major reason for stigma is misunderstanding. Many people conflate escort services with prostitution, even though modern escorting often focuses on companionship, events, and emotional connection.

Key Differences:

Escort Services	Prostitution
Often by appointment, discreet	Often street-based or brothel-based
Includes companionship, travel, and events	Primarily sex work
Negotiated boundaries and consent	Transactional in nature
Higher social class of clientele	Varies across economic classes

By educating the public, Kolkata’s society can move toward a more respectful understanding of the industry.

 

8. The Role of Technology: Disruption and Discretion

Apps, encrypted messaging platforms, and online directories have drastically changed the way escort services operate in Kolkata.

This digitization has also impacted how society views the industry:

• Less street visibility = less moral panic
• Clients value privacy and professionalism
• Escorts can screen clients, define terms, and maintain independence

Technology has allowed escorting to enter the mainstream urban economy, further blurring old lines of morality.

 

9. Challenges Still Faced: Legal, Social, and Emotional

Despite progress, escorts in Kolkata still face numerous challenges:

Barriers to Acceptance:

• Legal gray areas around solicitation
• Social ostracization if identity is revealed
• Emotional toll of double lives and lack of support systems
• Lack of healthcare access or legal protection

The city’s evolving mindset has not yet translated into institutional support or mainstream inclusion.

 

10. What the Future Holds: A More Inclusive Kolkata?

If the current trajectory continues, Kolkata could become a model of urban tolerance — where adults are free to choose their professions, relationships, and lifestyles without fear or judgment.

What Needs to Happen:

• Decriminalization and policy reforms
• Sex education and awareness campaigns
• Mental health support for workers and clients
• Public forums and storytelling to normalize the conversation

 

Conclusion: Kolkata Is Listening Are You Speaking Up?

Kolkata’s society is no longer silent. Conversations are happening  at dinner tables, cafés, college campuses, and on social media. People are questioning old beliefs, exploring personal freedoms, and starting to respect privacy and choice.

But the journey isn’t over.

Escort services, like any profession, deserve to be understood without prejudice, framed with dignity, and seen for what they truly are: an adult decision between consenting individuals.

 

Call to Action: Let’s Talk, Not Judge

Whether you’re curious, supportive, or skeptical take a moment to think beyond the headlines and gossip.

🔹 Read real stories
🔹 Talk to people without judgment
🔹 Share this blog to start healthy conversations
🔹 If you’re in the industry, seek communities that support you
🔹 And if you’re a client, treat your companion with the respect they deserve

Kolkata is evolving. You can be part of that change.