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- By Ridhi Suri
- Wed, 08 May 2024 03:23 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is centered on the lives of tawaifs in Lahore's red-light district of Heera Mandi during the Indian independence movement against British rule, the show features a star-studded cast including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sharmin Segal Mehta in lead roles.
Premiered on Netflix on May 1, 2024, there was considerable anticipation among fans and audiences for this series. Amidst this, a recent report suggests that the high-budget Bhansali production was conceived as India's equivalent of the global hit 'Squid Game.' According to a Variety article, Monika Shergill, Vice President of content at Netflix India, has expressed confidence in the project's potential to match the immense success of the Korean web series. She emphasised the allure of 'Heeramandi,' citing its authenticity and exotic appeal, and expressed hope that the storytelling and filmmaking craft would resonate with audiences.
Earlier, actress Richa Chadha, who played Lajjo, a courtesan in 'Heeramandi,' remarked in an interview with TOI, "I feel this show truly has the potential to travel outside India because in a sense, if you Google Bollywood extravaganza, the first thing that pops up is the creator of the show - Sanjay Leela Bhansali. So, I think it would be a great offering from India to the world. Shows like Narcos or Squid Game, come from Mexico and Korea. I think it is going to be one of those that travels, and it would be a great offering from India or the Indian subcontinent to the world."
About Heeramandi
The period drama series conceived and helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is set amidst the backdrop of the Indian independence movement against the British Raj, the show unfolds within the red-light district of Heera Mandi in Lahore, delving into the lives of tawaifs. The series also stars Taha Shah Badussha, Farida Jalal, Shekhar Suman, Fardeen Khan, Shruti Sharma, and Adhyayan Suman in pivotal roles.
'Heeramandi' captures the essence of the Indian independence movement in the 1920s-1940s, shedding light on the intricacies of the tawaifs' lives in Heera Mandi. Announced in April 2021, the series materializes Bhansali's vision that had been brewing for nearly 14 years. Serving as Bhansali's maiden foray into the streaming realm, this eight-part saga commenced filming in June 2022.