Sanjay Leela Bhansali recently opened up on his OTT debut series ‘Heeramandi’ and its connection with classics like ‘Mughal-E-Azam’ and ‘Pakeezah’. The filmmaker revealed that he tried to capture certain aspects of these evergreen films in his upcoming series ‘Heeramandi’ which revolves around the lives of courtesans. Here’s what Sanjay Leela Bhansali had to say…
In conversation with Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, Sanjay Leela Bhansali reflected on ‘Heeramandi‘ being a tribute to ‘Mughal-E-Azam’ and ‘Pakeezah’. “‘Heeramandi’ has nuances which you feel are found in the great Kamal Amrohi’s ‘Pakeezah’. ‘Heeramandi’ is my tribute to the great ‘Mughal-e-Azam’, ‘Pakeezah’ and Mehboob Khan sahab’s ‘Mother India’,” Sanjay Leela Bhansali shared. He also credited Indian directors like Yash Chopra, Raj Kapoor, Mehboob Khan, Bimal Roy, Guru Dutt, and V Shantaram for inspiring him to weave stories around women. “They told beautiful women stories. They understood that she is the creator of man, therefore she needs to be given a place in literature, cinema and art. They always told stories of women, they were not necessarily telling stories of men.” Sanjay Leela Bhansali added. “So if there is a Bajirao, there is also Mastani for me. If there was no Padmavati who would hold the fort, fight and go into fire, I wouldn’t have made that film,” Sanjay Leela Bhansali revealed.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period drama series ‘Heeramandi’ is set to release on Netflix in 2024. The show revolves around the lives of courtesans in the Heera Mandi district and is set against the backdrop of the independence movement during the British Raj. The OTT series features Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, and Sharmin Segal in lead roles.