Renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali ventures into the realm of online streaming with Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, a grand project in collaboration with Netflix. The series, set in the 1940s, delves into the lives of courtesans in Lahore’s Heera Mandi facing challenges amidst British-ruled India’s brewing rebellion. Amidst much anticipation, reports from Times of India and News18 unveil the staggering budget of Rs 200 crore allocated for the project.
The ensemble cast includes Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sharmin Segal, Richa Chadha, and Sanjeeda Sheikh, among others. Supporting roles feature talents like Fardeen Khan, Taha Shah Badussha, and Adhyayan Suman. Curious about their compensation?
Read on to discover how much each actor pocketed for their roles in Bhansali’s Netflix spectacle.
Sanjeeda Sheikh, known for her role in Fighter, negotiated Rs 40 lakh for portraying Waheeda, while Sharmin Segal, Bhansali’s niece, secured Rs 35 lakh for her character Alamzeb.
Richa Chadha, reprising her collaboration with Bhansali, demanded Rs 1 crore for her pivotal role as Lajjo, according to DNA. Aditi Rao Hydari, playing Bibbojaan, commanded a fee of Rs 1.5 crore, as per the same report.
Manisha Koirala, reuniting with Bhansali after nearly three decades, praised his attention to detail in Heeramandi, reminiscing their earlier collaboration in Khamoshi: The Musical (1996). She disclosed her remuneration of Rs 1 crore for the role of Mallikajaan. However, Sonakshi Sinha emerged as the highest-paid cast member, bagging Rs 2 crore for her portrayal of Fareedan.
Fardeen Khan’s return to the screen after 14 years, playing Wali Mohammed, came with a price tag of Rs 75 lakh.
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar premiered on Netflix on May 1, 2024, marking Bhansali’s digital debut.
