Sanjay Leela Bhansali on criticism over historical inaccuracies in ’Heeramandi’: In my mind, it was the most romantic place to be in (2024)

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Updated on: 19 May,2024 01:16 PM IST &nbsp|&nbsp Mumbai
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Heeramandi creator has finally broken silence over the criticism of the historical inaccuracies revolving around the show set in the 1920s

Sanjay Leela Bhansali on criticism over historical inaccuracies in ’Heeramandi’: In my mind, it was the most romantic place to be in (3)

Sanjay Leela Bhansali

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Sanjay Leela Bhansali on criticism over historical inaccuracies in 'Heeramandi': In my mind, it was the most romantic place to be in

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Sanjay Leela Bhansali's new series, 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, stirred up mixed opinions when it premiered. However, it's been a hit on Netflix, landing in the number two spot for non-English language shows in its first week. Many also called out the series for its historical inaccuracies. The show is set in the 1920s, in Lahore. The series narrates the stories of courtesans in 'Heeramandi' and their contribution to India's freedom struggle. Now, weeks after the film's release, creator Sanjay Leela Bhansali has opened up about the criticism around the show's inaccuracies.

Talking to Galatta Plus, Bhansali said that his films are a visual experience and are larger-than-life. "In my mind, it was the most romantic place to be in. I come from that world. I’ve always watched films with pimps and prostitutes around in the theatres. My cinema will always have that dramatic touch and that larger-than-life approach, which is not subtle, which is not delicate, but it is heartfelt. It’ll have the dignity of it being told on the screen because I work on the visual of it. It has to be worthy of being there because I’m reliving a certain moment of my life, of this life, maybe past life.”

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He further added, “I am responsible for giving my audience an experience, and I will give them the fullest of mine. I’m not here to make money, I’m here to make a film. I’m here to make an experience for you.”

Bhansali has made several films on the life of courtesans in the past including Devdas and Gangubai Kathiawadi. When asked what attracts him to the life of courtesans, the filmmaker explained, “I feel they are women who have a lot of enigma, a lot of mystery. The courtesan, or the tawaif, or the prostitute… they are different. But they always exude a certain kind of power which I find very interesting to look at… I found that very fascinating, that these women are very interesting. Where they sing, they dance. Where they express themselves; their joy and their grief in music and dance. They understand the art of living, the importance of architecture, the use of fabric, and the kind of jewelery they wear. They are connoisseurs of art.”

He further continued, "Hum log kya hein? Hum log artist log hain. Usko ap samajhgir bolo, bhand bolo… jo chahe bolo. Mere ko to woh chahiye. I have to create something that is very enigmatic. As a child, all those people that would pass by… mein school mein jaata hu toh ye chehre mujhe fascinate karte he. Waha pe jo ration ki line mein jo chaar middle-class housewives khade hain woh mujhe fascinate nahi karti (Who are we? We are artists. Whatever you might call them, I still need them. When I used to go to school, I was fascinated by those faces. Those four middle-class women in the ration line do not interest me)."

'Heeramandi' is based on the red-light district called Heera Mandi in Lahore (now, in present-day Pakistan) during the pre-partition era. The Netflix series stars Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal, Shekhar Suman and Adhyayan Suman in pivotal characters. Fardeen Khan, Farida Jalal, Jason Shah and Mark Bennington also play crucial roles in the series.

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Sanjay Leela Bhansali on criticism over historical inaccuracies in ’Heeramandi’: In my mind, it was the most romantic place to be in (2024)

FAQs

Sanjay Leela Bhansali on criticism over historical inaccuracies in ’Heeramandi’: In my mind, it was the most romantic place to be in? ›

"In my mind, it was the most romantic place to be in. I come from that world. I've always watched films with pimps and prostitutes around in the theatres. My cinema will always have that dramatic touch and that larger-than-life approach, which is not subtle, which is not delicate, but it is heartfelt.

What happened between Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Salman Khan? ›

For those wondering, the two had been involved in the making of Inshallah but the project got shelved due to creative differences. Talking about the film that didn't go through, the director said, "On work, we may have sparred, we may have not had our moment correct, and it didn't fall into place.

What is the religion of Sanjay Leela Bhansali? ›

Sanjay Leela Bhansali was born on 24 February 1963 in Bhuleshwar, South Bombay into a Gujarati Jain family. His mother, Leela, used to sew clothes to make ends meet. He speaks Gujarati at home and loves Gujarati food, music, literature and architecture.

What happened between Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Vaibhavi Merchant? ›

If media reports are anything to go by, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Vaibhavi Merchant had many differences. Both realised their differences and decided to call off their marriage by putting an end to their relationship. It's interesting to note that neither got married after that.

What is Sanjay Leela Bhansali known for? ›

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is among the most celebrated Film Makers of the Bollywood. Having worked with the biggest stars of Indian Film Industry, Bhansali is the most sought-for director of the Bollywood. He started his career as an assistant director to Vidhu Vinod Chopra.

Did Sanjay Leela Bhansali live in Kamathipura? ›

Sanjay Leela Bhansali was raised in Kamathipura, a red-light area in Mumbai. In an old interview with Film Companion, Sanjay Leela Bhansali said, “You're sensitive to what you see as a child.” Sanjay added, “How can a person's rate be Rs 20?

What is the next venture of Sanjay Leela Bhansali? ›

Actors Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal will star in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next feature film, Love & War. Described as an epic saga, the film was officially announced on Wednesday by the leads through their social media handles. It will commence production soon and release in theatres on Christmas, 2025.

Is Heeramandi a true story? ›

Heera Mandi, the setting for the series, is based in Lahore's famed red-light district. Heeramandi was established by Hira Singh Dogra, who was the prime minister of the Sikh Kingdom of Lahore from September 17, 1843, to December 21, 1844. He was the son of Dhian Singh Dogra, a trusted general of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Is Heeramandi a hit or flop? ›

It stars Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sharmin Segal Mehta and Taha Shah Badussha. The series was released on Netflix on 1 May 2024 and received mixed reviews from critics. A month later, it was renewed for a second season.

Is Heeramandi available on Netflix? ›

Since its release on May 1, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar has taken the world by storm. Within the first week of its launch, it swiftly climbed Netflix's Top 10 TV (Non-English) list in 43 countries, becoming the most-viewed Indian series globally.

Why did Sanjay Leela Bhansali never get married? ›

A report in the Mumbai Mirror had claimed that it was Sanjay Bhansali and Vaibhavi's unsorted personal differences that had forced them to terminate the plans of their possible marriage. Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Vaibhavi Merchant's incomplete love story holds a special place in the hearts of their fans!

What is the relationship between Karan Johar and Sanjay Leela Bhansali? ›

Karan Johar and Sanjay Leela Bhansali are often touted to be friends despite competition as contemporaries. However, it seems like SLB is not the kind of friend who would pick up the phone to congratulate the other.

How much does Sanjay Leela Bhansali earn? ›

As per a report in Bollywood Hungama, a staggering Rs 200 crores was allocated for the production of Heeramandi. Additionally, Bhansali—best known for big-budget movies and hits like Devdas, Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat, and Gangubai Kathiawadi—is said to have charged between Rs 60 to 65 crores.

What is the qualification of Sanjay Leela Bhansali? ›

Sanjay Leel Bhansali was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra as the son of producer Navin Bhansali and Leela Bhansali. After completing graduation from Lala Lajpatrai College in Mumbai, he earned a PG Diploma from Film and Television Institute of India, Pune.

Is Inshallah happening? ›

In that sense, I'm fortunate enough to have that friend who once in six months will speak and will exactly start from where we left.” Sanjay Leela Bhansali's highly-anticipated project Inshallah was supposed to star Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt in the lead roles. But the project was shelved in 2019.

Who is Leela Bhansali mother? ›

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