'Heeramandi' 1st look: Series featuring Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha promises journey to a bygone era

The first look for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s forthcoming Netflix series ‘Heeramandi’ has been released. It is grand, captivating, and dramatic, living up to the expectations set by Bhansali, renowned for films like ‘Devdas’ and ‘Bajirao Mastani’.

The epic saga of love, power, and freedom stars Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, and Sanjeeda Shaikh in the lead roles.

The historical drama series immerses viewers in an era where courtesans held sway. Set amid the Indian Independence struggle in the 1940s, it delves into the lives of courtesans and their patrons, exploring the cultural milieu of Heera Mandi.

The official streaming date is pending, but the show is anticipated to release on Netflix in 2024. Netflix India, sharing the first look on Instagram, wrote, ‘Here’s your first look at legendary Indian creator Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s first series EVER: Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar!’

Makers on ‘Heeramandi’

In a recent statement, the makers described the show as a blend of love, betrayal, succession, and politics in the kothas (courtesans' houses). They highlighted that Heeramandi promises Sanjay Leela Bhansali's signature style—larger-than-life stories, intricate characters, and dynamic conflicts in a pivotal period for India.

They said, ‘Heeramandi promises Sanjay Leela Bhansali's signature style of larger-than-life stories, intricate and soulful characters, and rippling dynamics of a world rife with conflict during a defining time period for India. Like all of the auteur's creations, Heeramandi will have unique compositions and music that linger with the audience, just like his stories.’

Bhansali on Heeramandi

In a statement last year, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who created the series, told ANI, ‘Heeramandi is an important milestone in my journey as a filmmaker. This is an epic, first-of-its-kind series based on the courtesans of Lahore. It is an ambitious, grand and all-encompassing series; therefore I am nervous yet excited about making it. I am looking forward to my partnership with Netflix and bringing Heeramandi to audiences all over the world.’

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