Sanjay Leela Bhansali
‘s
web series
, ‘
Heeramandi
: The Diamond Bazaar’ has finally hit the OTT platform and has been receiving rave reviews from all sides already.
While one user called it ‘magnificent’ and ‘magical’, another one said the series has never-seen-before artistic detailing. A fan also added that the magnum opus is meant for big screen.
Check out some of the posts here:
Discussing with Lilly Singh at the premiere, Bhansali revealed insights about the casting process.
He mentioned that 18 years ago, the initial cast for the film included Rekha ji, Kareena, and Rani Mukerji. However, the cast changed multiple times as the project evolved. Bhansali shared that this concept was conceived when “Heeramandi” was intended to be a film, set in pre-Independence Lahore amidst courtesans and nawabs.
Bhansali also considered casting Pakistani actors Mahira Khan,
Fawad Khan
, and Imran Abbas in the show at one point, but plans changed. Imran Abbas had previously mentioned being offered a role in Bhansali’s show during a conversation with ARY’s Shan-e-Suhoor. Although he didn’t decline the offer, the project was put on hold at that time. Imran also revealed that he was offered
Aditya Roy Kapur
‘s role in Guzaarish.
Heeramandi EXCLUSIVE: Why Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Fardeen Khan and Taha Shah Badussha can’t stop praising Sanjay Leela Bhansali!
SLB expressed satisfaction with the cast that eventually joined the project. “Heeramandi” now features Manisha Koirala,
Sonakshi Sinha
,
Richa Chadha
,
Aditi Rao Hydari
,
Sharmin Segal
, Taha Shah, Fardeen Khan,
Shekhar Suman
, and others.
