Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali discussed the choice to depict a story centered around Muslim characters in Lahore in his debut streaming series ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.’ This decision comes at a time when Pakistani artists still encounter barriers in India. Despite this, he expressed gratitude for the support he receives from Pakistani viewers, emphasizing the unifying nature of the show.
Bhansali, in an interview with IndieWire, highlighted the warmth he received from Pakistani audiences, stating that they eagerly awaited the narrative’s portrayal. He stressed the inclusive message of the series, emphasizing the shared cultural ties between India and Pakistan. Addressing potential controversies, he pointed out that the focus should remain on the love and connection shared by both nations for this creative endeavor.
He stated, “There was so much love that I received from Pakistan, people waiting for it anxiously, waiting for this to be told. It’s a piece that somehow brings us all together, when all India was one, it was undivided. These people belong to us as much as they belong to them. I think they belong to both of us and both countries are showing a lot of love for finally the show being made. I still feel we’re all one, I still feel that we’re all connected in so many ways. There’s a lot of love for people on both sides, leave aside a few people would want to create issues — but those are not relevant.”
While Bhansali acknowledged past challenges with his work, such as threats and attacks, he noted a positive reception to ‘Heeramandi’ without significant opposition during its creation. He emphasized the relatability of the characters and the varied reactions they elicit, welcoming both admiration and critique as part of the artistic process and audience engagement, “There are things in the characters that connect to people in my work. That is why they talk about it. A lot of people like it, a lot of people don’t like it. It’s a part of a give-and-take with an audience and filmmaker. I don’t mind being loved when they give me love, and I don’t mind quite being criticised when they don’t connect to my work.”
In a previous interview, Bhansali mentioned the project’s inception involving prominent stars like Kareena Kapoor and Rekha, followed by collaborations with Pakistani talents like Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, and Imran Abbas. The series eventually premiered with a cast including Manisha Koirala, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sharmin Segal, Taha Shah Badussha, Shekhar Suman, and Adhyayan Suman on May 1.
News18 Showsha praised Manisha’s performance in its Heeramandi review. Giving the series a 4.5 star rating, the review read, “Manisha Koirala returns to the screen and essays the unyielding and authoritative Mallikajaan with a lot of finesse and heart. She’s easily the scene-stealer and to watch her revelling in a grey character after playing an array of vulnerable woman is a treat to the eyes.”
The review also praised Sonakshi Sinha. “She is stunning, shrewd and sardonic. And she fears no one. She single-handedly fights a battle to win justice for her late mother and has no qualms about walking on the path of vices for the same. At the end, the women are all so much more than just tawaifs. Ambition is their eternal companion and they use their beauty as a weapon to lure men into their beds and when the right time comes, render them powerless.”
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