Watch: Sanjay Leela Bhansali Shares How Heeramandi Set Came Into Existence
In an interview with Architectural Digest, the filmmaker expressed his fondness for expansive spaces, stating that he prefers to immerse himself in larger settings.
The highly anticipated series, Heeramandi, has released its trailer, showcasing the grandeur expected from a Sanjay Leela Bhansali project. With a star-studded ensemble including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal, and Sanjeeda Sheikh in pivotal roles, the series promises to immerse viewers in a world of love, betrayal, and political intrigue set against the backdrop of pre-independence India.
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Heeramandi Trailer
Set in the vibrant district of Heeramandi, the narrative follows the powerful Mallikajaan (played by Manisha Koirala) ruling over a prestigious house of courtesans. However, tensions arise with the return of Fareedan (Sonakshi Sinha), her late nemesis' daughter.
As revolutionaries fight for India's independence outside, Mallikajaan's daughters, including Bibbojaan (Aditi Rao Hydari), join the struggle. Meanwhile, Alamzeb (Sharmin Segal), the youngest, dreams of love with Tajdar (Taha Shah Badussha), a nobleman's son, and seeks to break free from Heeramandi's confines. Amidst betrayal and societal norms, the battle for supremacy in Heeramandi intensifies, leaving viewers intrigued about who will ultimately prevail.
Take a look at the trailer here.
The highly-anticipated Netflix series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is helmed by legendary Indian director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Bringing his majestic signature flair to the screen once again, Bhansali explores the cultural tapestry of Heeramandi, a district known for its courtesans, amidst the tumultuous era of the Indian freedom struggle in the 1940s. The series delves into the lives of these courtesans and their patrons, offering a glimpse into a world teeming with complexities and conflicts.
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Described as a blend of love, betrayal, succession, and politics within the kothas (houses of courtesans), Heeramandi promises to captivate audiences with Bhansali's larger-than-life storytelling, intricate character dynamics, and soul-stirring musical compositions.
Check out Heeramandi Women's look
Netflix India took to Instagram to unveil the first look, showcasing the grandeur and drama expected from Bhansali's creations. While the official streaming date has yet to be announced, fans can anticipate the series to grace Netflix screens in 2024.
In the illustrious Diamond Bazaar of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's highly anticipated project Heeramandi, exciting new additions have been unveiled, adding further depth to an already stellar cast. Recently, the makers unveiled the male characters of Heeramandi, featuring prominent names like Fardeen Khan, Adhyayan Suman, Shekhar Suman, and Taha Shah Badussh.
Fardeen Khan, making a spectacular return to the screen, takes on the role of Wali Mohammed in the series. Described as a character caught in a tumultuous struggle between love and duty, Wali Mohammed attempts to reconcile his heartfelt desires with his royal obligations.
Adhyayan Suman, known for his riveting performances, portrays the character Zoravar in Heeramandi. Described as a figure whose affection for Lajjo burns bright with passion, Zoravar finds himself torn between his intense emotions and the call of love.
Joining his son in the project, veteran actor Shekhar Suman steps into the shoes of Zulfikar. His character is depicted as someone who pledges his allegiance to Mallikajaan, yet is driven by an unwavering ambition that is intricately linked to Heeramandi.
Completing the ensemble, Taha Shah Badussha portrays the role of Tajdar, a nawab's son grappling with the complexities of tradition and love. In his quest for purpose and liberation, Tajdar navigates the intricate webs of societal expectations and personal desires.
The unveiling of these compelling male characters adds further intrigue to the narrative of Heeramandi, promising audiences a captivating exploration of love, duty, ambition, and tradition in the vibrant backdrop of the Diamond Bazaar.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Heeramandi
Expressing his excitement about the project, Bhansali shared, "Heeramandi is an important milestone in my journey as a filmmaker. This is an epic, first-of-its-kind series based on the courtesans of Lahore. It is an ambitious, grand and all-encompassing series; therefore I am nervous yet excited about making it. I am looking forward to my partnership with Netflix and bringing Heeramandi to audiences all over the world."
Moreover, Heeramandi is set to be the most lavish production in the history of Indian streaming platforms. With a reported budget exceeding Rs 200 crore, it surpasses the previous record-holder, Ajay Devgn's Rudra: Edge of Darkness, by a slim margin. The majority of Heeramandi's production expenses are attributed to Bhansali's own fees.
This budget places Heeramandi in a league above many Indian films, including some of the industry's biggest blockbusters. For instance, SS Rajamouli's Baahubali had a budget of Rs 180 crore, while Animal, helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring Ranbir Kapoor, was produced for just Rs 100 crore. Even Shah Rukh Khan's recent hit, Dunki, had a production budget of Rs 120 crore, falling short of Heeramandi's lavish expenditure. Given Bhansali's reputation for opulent sets and the expansive scope of the series, the substantial budget comes as no surprise.
Heeramandi marks Bhansali's maiden foray into the realm of series-making, promising viewers an immersive experience filled with compelling narratives, unforgettable characters, and stirring emotions. In an interview with Architectural Digest, the filmmaker expressed his fondness for expansive spaces, stating that he prefers to immerse himself in larger settings. Bhansali has constructed a colossal three-acre set for his upcoming eight-part series, scheduled to premiere on Netflix on May 1.
He emphasised that the set for Heeramandi is his largest to date. A workforce of 700 artisans laboured at Mumbai's Film City for seven months to erect the set using approximately 60,000 wooden planks and metal frames, ultimately bringing to life the Shahi Mahal (royal palace) of Mallikajaan (Manisha Koirala), the queen of the most influential brothel in Heera Mandi. As anticipation mounts for its release, audiences worldwide await the opportunity to journey into the enchanting world of Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.
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