Did You Know Sanjay Leela Bhansali Wanted To Cast Pakistani Stars Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan In Heeramandi. Then What Happened?
A dream starcast!
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s latest venture, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, has captured audiences’ attention since its release on Netflix. However, what many might not know is the intriguing casting choices that were considered before finalizing the ensemble for this much-anticipated series. In a recent interview with Lilly Singh during the Los Angeles premiere of Heeramandi, Bhansali disclosed some fascinating insights into the casting process.
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Also Read: Exclusive: Heeramandi Star Richa Chadha Feels Today’s Actors Are Very Coddled On Sets, “20 Assistants Are Constantly Checking Up On Them”
Sanjay Leela Bhansali On Casting Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan
Reflecting on his vision for the story, which he had nurtured for the past 18 years, Bhansali revealed that Heeramandi was initially conceptualized as a film. Delving into the casting deliberations, he disclosed that his initial choices included acclaimed Pakistani actors Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, and Imran Abbas. However, as the project evolved and transitioned into a series, Bhansali ultimately opted for the diverse ensemble cast that viewers see on screen today. Bhansali’s decision to cast Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan underscores his commitment to storytelling that transcends borders and celebrates talent from across the globe. While these Pakistani actors didn’t make it to the final cut of Heeramandi, their potential involvement in the project sheds light on Bhansali’s expansive creative vision.
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Also Read: Did You Know Heeramandi Still Continues To Exist In Lahore? Here’s All We Know About The Red Light Area Shown In Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s OTT Debut Series
More On Heermandi
Heeramandi marks a significant milestone in Bhansali’s illustrious career, as he ventures into the realm of OTT platforms with a narrative that promises to captivate audiences with its portrayal of love, power, and freedom. Bhansali’s partnership with Netflix reflects his desire to reach a diverse and global audience, ensuring that the series resonates with viewers from all walks of life.
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Featuring a star-studded cast including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Sharmin Segal, Adhyayan Suman, Shekhar Suman, Fardeen Khan, and Farida Jalal, Heeramandi transports audiences to the vibrant yet tumultuous world of Heera Mandi in Lahore, British India. Set against the backdrop of the Indian freedom movement in the 1940s, the series explores the lives of courtesans navigating love, politics, and societal norms.
First Published: May 02, 2024 12:58 PM
