After nurturing the narrative of “Heeramandi” for 14 years, celebrated Indian filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali joined forces with Netflix in 2021 to bring his most ambitious project to life. Renowned for his opulent directorial style seen in iconic films like “Gangubai Kathiawadi,” “Padmaavat,” and “Bajirao Mastani,” Bhansali assembled a star-studded cast, including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sharmin Segal, and more, to unravel the tale of the tawaifs (courtesans) of Heeramandi, pivotal figures in colonial India’s cultural milieu.
Set against the backdrop of Lahore in the 1940s, “Heeramandi” paints a vivid picture of an era marked by literary richness, musical opulence, and the intertwining of royalty and nobility. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into the intricate dynamics between courtesans and aristocrats, navigating themes of love, politics, and the historical tapestry of pre-independence India. The series also showcases the talents of Fardeen Khan, Taha Shah Badussha, Shekhar Suman, and Adhyayan Suman in key roles.
Bhansali, making his digital debut with “Heeramandi,” spared no expense in crafting a saga that transcends time and space. In an interview with ANI, he expressed his fervor for the project, labeling it a significant milestone in his filmmaking odyssey. He remarked, “Heeramandi is an epic endeavor centered on the courtesans of Lahore, a narrative unprecedented in its scope and grandeur. Its magnitude both thrills and challenges me.”
According to reports from the Times of India and Money Control, “Heeramandi” commanded a staggering budget of Rs 200 crore, with a substantial portion allocated to Bhansali’s directorial fee, estimated between Rs 60-70 crore. This figure surpasses the earnings of lead actress Sonakshi Sinha, who portrayed Fareedan in the series and reportedly received Rs 2 crore for her performance, making her the highest-paid actress on the project.
Regarded as one of India’s foremost filmmakers, Bhansali’s illustrious career, which began with “Khamoshi: The Musical” in 1996, has garnered him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Padma Shri. With a reported net worth of Rs 940 crore, as per ABP Live, the 61-year-old filmmaker continues to expand his creative empire through his production company, Bhansali Productions, and his music label, Bhansali Music, established in 2023.
