Page 40 - The Indian EYE 051724

ENTERTAINMENT EYE MAY 17, 2024 | The Indian Eye 40

‘Heeramandi’: With 18 years

of dreaming, 14 years of planning,

SLB realizes his web project

Set against the backdrop of the Indian freedom struggle of the 1940s, the OTT series

promises to be an epic saga of love, power, revenge, and freedom

OUR BUREAU
Mumbai

eeramandi’ is now streaming on Netflix,
with rave reviews and massive reaction
Hfrom the audience. Ace filmmaker San-
jay Leela Bhansali has brought his lifelong dream
to reality with the release of ‘Heeramandi: The
Diamond Bazaar,’ marking his debut in the OTT
world. Bhansali, while reflecting on his journey,
spoke about his childhood visit to a film studio, ig-
niting his passion for storytelling.
“I wanted to make it 18 years ago. Then I
thought there was another film to be made, then
another film to be made. But this was always on my
list of wanting to have to make it one day. After ev-
ery film, Heeramandi would come out, and I would
say once again, wait, it’s too vast. It’s too epic - too
much of an epic to be made into two or two and a
half hours. Then we thought we’d make it into two
parts, he said.
“It’s difficult to make a series, but we’ve made
it, and I have enjoyed it. I’m glad and thankful to
God that we made it. 14 years of planning, 18 years
of living with it, and two years of designing, so it’s a
lot of work that has gone into it,” he added. Bollywood actors Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Fardeen Khan, Richa Chadha, Aditi Rao Hydari and other cast members
Through the stories of courtesans and their
patrons, the series delves deep into the cultural re- pose for a picture at the premiere of their web series ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’, in Mumbai (ANI)
ality of Heeramandi. It features Manisha Koirala,
Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, ality of Heeramandi. Shekhar is double excited as not only he but
Aditi Rao Hydari, Sharmin Segal, Taha Shah Ba- Shekhar Suman, who portrays the character also his son Adhyayan Suman is part of this proj-
dussha, Shekhar Suman, and Adhyayan Suman. of Zulfiqar Ahmed in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s di- ect. Adhyayan portrays Zorawar Ali Khan, an ar-
The project is an epic saga of love, power, re- rectorial web series ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond rogant ‘nawab’ of considerable wealth whose pur-
venge, and freedom. Bazaar’, opened up about how this opportunity suits are driven solely by his self-interest.
‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,’ has been knocked on his door when he was not expecting it. Also, actor Ali Fazal heaped praise on his
garnering appreciation from critics and audiences Shekhar’s character Zulfiqar Ahmed, is a man wife, Richa Chadha, for her stellar performance
ever since its release on OTT. After watching the of authority, whose mere presence exudes power in ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.’ Fazal was
series, actor Akshay Kumar could not stop himself and sophistication. quick to laud his wife’s acting prowess, showcasing
from praising Sonakshi Sinha and the entire team. Talking about his experience working with his support and admiration for her talent. Ali, on
Akshay took to Instagram stories and shared the Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shekhar Suman said, “As Thursday, took to his Instagram account to post
poster of Heeramandi along with a caption, which an artist, you desire to work with a well-known a video montage capturing their vacations, public
read, “Watching #Heeramandi, such a grand spec- director. I got a chance to work with him, but on encounters, and intimate moments.
tacle!” every step, on every path, a person learns some- The actor also wrote a heartfelt note for his
He also heaped praises on Sonakshi Sinha thing. But when he comes with a good filmmaker, wife that read, “Only a fool would not take Lajjo
for her performance in the series. Akshay wrote, he climbs many steps. So, I feel that when I started and fly away!! (Lajjo check) You are simply the
“Great going @aslisona @bhansaliproductions.” this work in Heeramandi, me it was enough for me best and I feel so lucky I get to share my notes with
Set against the backdrop of the Indian free- to do even one scene. Because to be seen in this you in person .. congratulations partner on this
dom struggle of the 1940s, the project promises to environment and to do something is a big thing mad success of #heeramandi . You’ve risen way
be an epic saga of love, power, revenge, and free- in itself. But there is also a connection to it. This way way above the norm you always do. See you
dom. Through the stories of courtesans and their opportunity came to me that time when I was not soon! @therichachadha !!.” Richa also reacted
patrons, the series delves deep into the cultural re- expecting it.” and wrote, “Am lucky luckiest girl alive thank you.”

www.TheIndianEYE.com