Set against the backdrop of the Indian freedom struggle of the 1940s, the OTT series promises to be an epic saga of love, power, revenge, and freedom
Our Bureau
Mumbai
‘Heeramandi’ is now streaming on Netflix, with rave reviews and massive reaction from the audience. Ace filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has brought his lifelong dream to reality with the release of ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,’ marking his debut in the OTT world. Bhansali, while reflecting on his journey, spoke about his childhood visit to a film studio, igniting his passion for storytelling.
“I wanted to make it 18 years ago. Then I thought there was another film to be made, then another film to be made. But this was always on my list of wanting to have to make it one day. After every film, Heeramandi would come out, and I would say once again, wait, it’s too vast. It’s too epic – too much of an epic to be made into two or two and a half hours. Then we thought we’d make it into two parts, he said.
“It’s difficult to make a series, but we’ve made it, and I have enjoyed it. I’m glad and thankful to God that we made it. 14 years of planning, 18 years of living with it, and two years of designing, so it’s a lot of work that has gone into it,” he added.
Through the stories of courtesans and their patrons, the series delves deep into the cultural reality of Heeramandi. It features Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sharmin Segal, Taha Shah Badussha, Shekhar Suman, and Adhyayan Suman.
The project is an epic saga of love, power, revenge, and freedom.
‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,’ has been garnering appreciation from critics and audiences ever since its release on OTT. After watching the series, actor Akshay Kumar could not stop himself from praising Sonakshi Sinha and the entire team. Akshay took to Instagram stories and shared the poster of Heeramandi along with a caption, which read, “Watching #Heeramandi, such a grand spectacle!”
He also heaped praises on Sonakshi Sinha for her performance in the series. Akshay wrote, “Great going @aslisona @bhansaliproductions.”
Set against the backdrop of the Indian freedom struggle of the 1940s, the project promises to be an epic saga of love, power, revenge, and freedom. Through the stories of courtesans and their patrons, the series delves deep into the cultural reality of Heeramandi.
Shekhar Suman, who portrays the character of Zulfiqar Ahmed in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s directorial web series ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’, opened up about how this opportunity knocked on his door when he was not expecting it.
Shekhar’s character Zulfiqar Ahmed, is a man of authority, whose mere presence exudes power and sophistication.
Talking about his experience working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shekhar Suman said, “As an artist, you desire to work with a well-known director. I got a chance to work with him, but on every step, on every path, a person learns something. But when he comes with a good filmmaker, he climbs many steps. So, I feel that when I started this work in Heeramandi, me it was enough for me to do even one scene. Because to be seen in this environment and to do something is a big thing in itself. But there is also a connection to it. This opportunity came to me that time when I was not expecting it.”
Shekhar is double excited as not only he but also his son Adhyayan Suman is part of this project. Adhyayan portrays Zorawar Ali Khan, an arrogant ‘nawab’ of considerable wealth whose pursuits are driven solely by his self-interest.
Also, actor Ali Fazal heaped praise on his wife, Richa Chadha, for her stellar performance in ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.’ Fazal was quick to laud his wife’s acting prowess, showcasing his support and admiration for her talent. Ali, on Thursday, took to his Instagram account to post a video montage capturing their vacations, public encounters, and intimate moments.
The actor also wrote a heartfelt note for his wife that read, “Only a fool would not take Lajjo and fly away!! (Lajjo check) You are simply the best and I feel so lucky I get to share my notes with you in person .. congratulations partner on this mad success of #heeramandi . You’ve risen way way way above the norm you always do. See you soon! @therichachadha !!.” Richa also reacted and wrote, “Am lucky luckiest girl alive thank you.”
