If you are looking to understand the evolution of this genre and the top figures associated with it, The Icons of the "Softcore" Golden Era
Often appearing alongside Shakeela, Maria was known for her bold screen presence and dance numbers. She was a staple of the "soft-core" era, appearing in dozens of films that focused on adult-oriented storytelling.
The rise of the internet made adult content more accessible elsewhere, reducing the theater-going audience for these specific films.
Often blending elements of crime and romance, these films were produced quickly and released to packed "noon shows" across the country. The Shift to Modern Cinema