However, do you know about the true story that serves as the inspiration for his upcoming masterpiece? Around 14 years ago, Moin Baig pitched the concept of ‘Heeramandi’ to Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who was then engrossed in the production of ‘Devdas’ starring Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit.After ‘Devdas,’ Bhansali directed several films, sidelining ‘Heeramandi.’ Frustrated by the delay, Baig requested the script back, unaware that it would later become a major series.
‘Heeramandi’ is a renowned location in Pakistan, named after Heera Singh, the son of Dhian Singh Dogra, who served as the Prime Minister under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Heera Singh established a grain market in the area, known as “Hira Singh di Mandi.” The district was historically renowned for its courtesan culture, flourishing during the 15th and 16th centuries under Mughal rule.
Sonakshi Sinha on showbiz, her role in ‘Heeramandi,’ and working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali: ‘The way he portrays women on-screen’
During the Mughal era, women predominantly from Afghanistan and Uzbekistan were brought to Heeramandi to perform classical Indian dances such as Kathak for the entertainment of the Mughal rulers. However, the cultural dynamics shifted drastically with the invasion by Ahmad Shah Abdali, whose forces established brothels using captured women. Subsequently, British colonialism further exacerbated Heeramandi’s reputation, transforming it into a hub for prostitution.
By day, Heeramandi operates as a typical market, offering food, traditional Mughal footwear (Khussa), and musical instruments. However, as night falls, it transforms into a different world, known for its longstanding brothel activity. According to a 2016 report by Dawn.com, the proliferation of escort websites and social media has profoundly affected the area’s traditional business model.
In Karan Johar’s ‘Kalank,’ Alia Bhatt’s character resides in the fictional city of Husnabad and seeks to learn music from Madhuri Dixit’s character, Bahaar Begum. Notably, Dixit’s character is introduced as a performer at a kotha in the notorious neighborhood of Hira Mandi. Additionally, Noor Jahan’s iconic song ‘Main Heera Mandi Di Guddi,’ released several decades ago, also references the area and was a chartbuster in its time.
‘Heeramandi’ is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on May 1, featuring an ensemble cast portraying pivotal characters. Manisha Koirala stars as Mallikajaan, while Sonakshi Sinha takes on the role of the primary antagonist, Fareedan. Aditi Rao Hydari appears as Bibbojaan, Richa Chadha as Lajjo, Sanjeeda Shaikh as Waheeda, and Sharmin Segal as Alamzeb. Among the male leads are Adhyayan Suman as Zorawar Ali Khan, Shekhar Suman as Zulfiqar Ahmed, Taha Shah Badussha as Tajdar Baloch, and Fardeen Khan makes a comeback in acting, portraying Wali Mohammed.
In a recent media statement, Bhansali discussed his upcoming project, expressing, “I’ve helmed grand films, and crafting large-scale productions feels innate to me. However, transitioning to the digital platform, I aimed higher. ‘Heeramandi’ stands as my most ambitious project yet; I wanted to make it extraordinary, and it has surpassed my expectations. It’s not merely a series; it’s a world, and I am excited for global audiences to delve into the rich narrative of ‘Heeramandi.'”
