Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the filmmaker known for his opulent cinematic creations, is all set to make his glitzy streaming debut. With eight episodes of Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar arriving on Netflix, Bhansali will delve into the world of the tawaif (courtesan) culture of a bygone era in pre-Partition India. But given this is Bhansali, we can expect oodles of glam in lieu of too much historical accuracy.
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar not only marks Bhansali’s foray into streaming but also stands as a tribute to the timeless classics of Indian cinema. Hindi cinema has a longstanding association with courtesan stories—from the iconic Mughal-e-Azam to Pakeezah.
Made on a budget allegedly exceeding Rs. 200 crore, Heeramandi is all set for a summer release on Netflix. The show is co-written by Bhansali, Mitakshara Kumar (who also co-directs with Bhansali), Vibhu Puri, Snehil Dixit Mehra, Divy Nidhi Sharma and Moin Baig.
Almost 14 years ago, Baig shared the idea of making a movie about the courtesans of Lahore’s famous Heera Mandi with the Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Padmaavat director Bhansali. Over time, this became a passion project for Bhansali, who has made some of the most visually spellbinding cinema over the years. Heera Mandi was initially a colony of singers and dancers who commanded a lot of respect in the artistic communities. It is believed that the area turned into a red-light district after British colonisation.
What is Heeramandi about?
Heeramandi unfolds against the backdrop of the Indian independence movement in the 1940s, transporting viewers to the vibrant red-light district of Heera Mandi in Lahore. Here, the lives of tawaifs, or courtesans, intertwine with the political upheaval of the era. It may not be the most accurate depiction of that time period, but the series’ dazzling visuals have already impressed people.
The official show logline is: “The scheming Mallikajaan rules over an elite house of courtesans, but a new rival threatens her reign as rebellion brews in British-ruled India.”
Who is in the cast of Heeramandi?
The series boasts an ensemble cast, including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, and Sharmin Segal in the main cast. The film’s recurring cast will include names like Farida Jalal, Taha Shah Badussha, Fardeen Khan, Adhyayan Suman, and Shekhar Suman.
When is Heeramandi being released?
The intrigue around Heeramandi has grown and grown over the years. And now, after a year of anticipation, Heeramandi is slated for release on Netflix on May 1st, 2024.
Is there a trailer for Heeramandi?
Yes, a new trailer for Heeramand: The Diamond Bazaar was released on April 9th, 2024. Netflix initially released a teaser of Heeramandi in February 2024, as well as a feature song, ‘Sakal Ban,’ starring Sonakshi Sinha.
