Netflix has greenlit a second season of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ambitious period drama series ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.’ The announcement comes just a month after the show’s lavish debut on the streaming platform. Bhansali Production and Netflix celebrated the renewal with a grand flash mob dance performance at Mumbai’s Carter Road.
Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has criticized Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming web series ‘Heeramandi’, accusing it of romanticizing brothels. Agnihotri, who is known for directing ‘The Kashmir Files’, made these remarks despite admitting that he hadn’t watched the show.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s latest masterpiece, ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,’ transports viewers to a vibrant and alluring world of love, betrayal, and the glamorous excesses of the past. The series, which is currently streaming on Netflix, marks the filmmaker’s first collaboration with acclaimed actress Manisha Koirala in over 30 years.
Set against the backdrop of a sprawling brothel in the heart of Lahore, ‘Heeramandi’ seamlessly blends elements from previous Bhansali classics such as ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi,’ ‘Mandi,’ ‘Kalank,’ and ‘Devdas.’ However, this time around, the filmmaker explores these themes with greater depth and nuance, showcasing the resilience, passion, and complexities of the women who inhabit this enigmatic world.
The series boasts an ensemble cast of talented actresses, including Manisha Koirala as the enigmatic Mallika Jaan, Sonakshi Sinha as the enigmatic Faradeen, Richa Chadha as the fiery Lajjo, Sanjeeda Shaikh as the captivating Waheeda, Aditi Rao Hydari as the alluring Bibbo, and Sharmin Segal Mehta as the enigmatic Alamzeb. Fardeen Khan also makes a notable return as Wali Mohammed, while Jason Shah and Taha Shah deliver standout performances as Cartwright and Tajdar, respectively.
The series, which took Bhansali 14 years to complete, has garnered widespread critical acclaim for its stunning visuals, meticulous attention to detail, and powerful performances. Critics have praised Bhansali’s mastery of storytelling, camera movement, and mise-en-scène, creating a truly immersive and unforgettable viewing experience.
Despite its length, with each episode clocking in at an average of 50 minutes to an hour, ‘Heeramandi’ has captivated audiences around the globe. The series has sparked lively discussions and debates online, with many praising its raw emotions and unflinching portrayal of life in a tumultuous and often unforgiving world.
After a hiatus of 28 years, legendary actress Manisha Koirala reunites with acclaimed director Sanjay Leela Bhansali in his much-anticipated OTT debut series, ‘Heeramandi – The Diamond Market.’ Koirala portrays a complex and enigmatic courtesan, marking a bold departure from her previous roles.
Shekhar Suman, gearing up for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Heeramandi,’ reflects on his cinematic journey from debuting alongside Rekha to highlighting the contrasting disciplines of modern film sets and the desire for instant fame among young actors. Despite the changing landscape, he prioritizes performance over relationships, even on set with his son Adhyayan Suman.
Sanjeeda Sheikh, known for her exceptional dance skills, recently shared her experience working with renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali in his upcoming OTT debut series, ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Market.’ She praised Bhansali’s unwavering passion for music and dance, acknowledging how his constructive feedback significantly enhanced her performance. Sanjeeda expressed her gratitude for having the opportunity to collaborate with Bhansali and a stellar cast, including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Sehgal, and many more.
Fardeen Khan, making his acting comeback in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Netflix series “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,” revealed that Bhansali had once declined to work with him in the early 2000s due to a perceived lack of passion in his eyes. Khan expressed gratitude for Bhansali’s candor and acknowledged its positive impact on his subsequent growth as an actor.
Rashmika Mandanna made a grand appearance at the star-studded premiere of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web series debut, ‘Heeramandi’. Dressed in an exquisite mint green anarkali set, the ‘Pushpa’ star exuded royalty on the red carpet. Her ensemble featured intricate threadwork, sequin and bead embellishments, and sheer sleeves, paired with matching churidar pants and a tissue silk dupatta. Rashmika complemented her ethnic attire with gold Kolhapuri block heels and statement jewels, completing her regal look with flawless makeup and a half-up, half-down hairstyle.
Father-son duo Shekhar Suman and Adhyayan Suman made a grand entrance at the ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ screening in Mumbai, arriving in a luxurious red Ferrari 296 GTS. The two actors looked dapper in traditional attire, while Shekhar’s wife Alka accompanied them.
Veteran actor Shekhar Suman has recalled an incident from the sets of his popular show ‘Dekh Bhai Dekh’ where co-star Farida Jalal fainted due to the extreme heat conditions. Suman shared that the cast and crew worked tirelessly without air conditioning, leading to unbearable temperatures. He described feeling exhausted and overheated after long takes, noting that Jalal had also fainted. Despite the challenging conditions, Suman expressed his excitement for his upcoming role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Heeramandi,’ where he plays Zulfiqar Ahmed, a powerful and sophisticated character. The series also features a star-studded cast and is set to premiere on Netflix on May 1st.
