Sanjay Leela Bhansali Calls ‘Heeramandi’ His Tribute To Every Great Filmmaker Who Celebrated Women’s Stories
We absolutely agree with him!
Ace filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali unveiled the first glimpse of his much-anticipated Netflix series–Heeramandi. Revolving around the stories of courtesans from pre-Independant India, the film will dive into the glee and dark side of the world through its six female leads. Shouldering the project are actresses–Sonakshi Sinha, Manisha Koirala, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Shaikh, and Sharmin Segal.
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Today, Netflix released the first look at the film through two teasers and two posters. In the press conference held for the announcement, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali spoke to Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos and elaborated on his love for the subject and how important it is to put a spotlight on it. The filmmaker called every woman a Queen, referring to his mother and every woman in a man’s life, and how she needs to be treated like one. He further mentioned how courtesans behind their veils went through so much pain in their lives, but they never allowed that pain to bother their performances in the evening.
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Bhansali also expressed his love for literature, cinema, art and great filmmakers like–Raj Kapoor, Guru Dutt, Yash Chopra, Mehboob Khan and more, who told stories about women, the creator of men. The director also called the characters of Heeramandi, his inspiration, who teach you to stand for dignity. It is all about celebrating women, and indeed the most difficult aspect for a filmmaker to put on celluloid.
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He specified how these women pleased men, the society and then go back to their dark world. And with time, their struggles are often forgotten. And these untold stories and anguish are what he has aimed to deliver through the series. He also appreciated the leading ladies of the film, with a specific mention given to actress–Manisha Koirala, with whom he worked on his first project–Khamoshi: The Musical in 1996.
Also Read: ‘Heeramandi:’ Bhansali’s Netflix Series Unveils First Look Of Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, And More
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In a segment, the director also mentioned how Heermandi is his OTT tribute to iconic films like–Mughal-E-Azam Pakeezah, Mother India, and every filmmaker who told great stories about a woman’s life, struggles and success.
Heeramandi is based on the lives of courtesans in the pre-independent era. Through the six actresses, Bhansali will tell the tale of the community, who fought for dignity. The release date of Heeramandi is yet to be announced.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali Dismisses The Notion That People Only Want Movies With Heroes In Them
