What Is The Story Of Heeramandi? Why Are Pakistanis Against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Web Series?

Known for his larger-than-life movies which have grand sets, stunning costumes and heavy-duty dialogues that are best enjoyed on the big screen, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is all set to set our small screens ablaze with his web series debut titled Heeramandi. As the filmmaker released the first look of the star-studded show, fans were bowled. Do you know the real story of Heeramandi?

The real story of Heeramandi

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If you're wondering what Heeramandi is, it is an Urdu word that means diamond market and also an area in Pakistan's Lahore. The idea of the project was given to Bhansali by Moin Baig more than 14 years ago. Bhansali, however, couldn't make the project as he was busy with Shah Rukh Khan-Aishwarya Rai-Madhuri Dixit starrer Devdas then. After that, he made films like Saawariya, Guzaarish and then Bajirao Mastani, and Heeramandi couldn't see the light of the day. At this point, Baig asked Bhansali to give his script back as he did nothing with it. Even they didn't imagine it would turn out to be a big Netflix web series.

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One of the most popular destinations in Pakistan, Heeramandi was named after Heera Singh's son, Dhian Singh Dogra. who was the Prime Minister of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who had established a food grain market in the area which was initially called Hira Singh di Mandi. The area was also the center of tawaif (courtesan) culture, especially during the Mughal era in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Mughals would bring women mainly from Afghanistan and Uzbekistan to perform classical Indian dances such as Kathak to entertain them.

After the invasion by Ahmad Shah Abdali, the area became a hub for prostitution. His troops would set up brothels with the women they had captured. British colonial rule further downgraded the area's reputation.

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The area continues to be a prostitution hub. While during the day time, it looks like an ordinary market that sells food, of Khussa (traditional Mughal footwear) and musical instruments among other things, at night, the brothels are opened and prostitution starts. As per a 2016 report on Dawn.com, the business has been hugely affected due to the advent of escort websites and social media.

Why were Pakistanis against the Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi?

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Pakistanis are not happy with the Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie. They say how can an Indian filmmaker make a film about Pakistan in India. When the project was announced in 2021, actress Ushna Shah opposed the idea being presented from an Indian viewpoint.

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Actress Mansha Pasha said, "India is making a film on Lahore and the infamous Heera Mandi of yesteryears. Because we live in a country where the fictional narrative is often censored and everyone keeps arguing about what is or isn't "morally acceptable" fiction, others make most of the opportunity taking up the... taking up the stories that are native to our country, brand them and sell them to the rest of the world. In the end, what will be left will be our stories told from someone else mouth. Sad."

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Actress Hira Tareen said, ¡°There would be a Fatwa if someone would think to conceptualize such an idea in Pakistan, even though the story is set in the nation and should be told from the nation¡¯s perspective¡±.

Do you know Sanjay Leela Bhansali grew up in chawl very close to Kamathipura¨Cthe red light area of Mumbai?

Meanwhile, the official streaming date for the show, which stars Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal, and Sanjeeda Sheikh in the lead roles, is awaited.

Also Read: How Sanjay Leela Bhansali Paid Tribute To His Childhood & Father Navin Via Gangubai Kathiawadi