Sanjay Leela Bhansali reveals he wanted to cast Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan in Heeramandi: I had multiple castings in my mind

The much-anticipated series of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ has finally hit the streaming platform, bringing with it a tale that has been brewing in the filmmaker’s mind for a staggering 18 years. In a recent interview with Lilly Singh at the Los Angeles premiere, Bhansali unveiled some intriguing insights into the casting process and the evolution of his vision. ‘Heeramandi’ unfolds in the vibrant setting of the red-light district of Heera Mandi in Lahore, British India (present-day Pakistan), offering a poignant exploration of the lives of courtesans amidst the tumultuous era of colonial rule.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali wished to cast Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan in Heeramandi

Recounting the inception of his project, Bhansali disclosed his initial choices, he said, “I had multiple castings in my mind, the idea has been there for 18 years. I thought about Rekha ji and then Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukerji. It was a film back then. I then also thought about Mahira Khan, the Pakistani actress, and Imran Abbas and Fawad Khan were also in my mind at one point of time. But I ended up with this ensemble cast.”

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He emphasised the significance of partnering with Netflix. Bhansali remarked, “This is a story of love, power, freedom, and extraordinary women, their desires, and struggles. It marks a new milestone in my journey. In Netflix, we found the ideal partner —- one who not only shares our love for storytelling but also possesses the unparalleled capability to bring our series to the most diverse and global audience imaginable.”

The series boasts a stellar cast, featuring luminaries such as Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Sharmin Segal, Adhyayan Suman, Shekhar Suman, Fardeen Khan, and Farida Jalal in pivotal roles. Notably, Shekhar Suman portrays Nawab Zulfikar, while Adhyayan Suman takes on the character of Nawab Zoravar in this period drama set against the backdrop of the Indian freedom movement in the 1940s.

Now available for streaming on Netflix, ‘Heeramandi’ beckons viewers into a world of intrigue, passion, and resilience, inviting them to immerse themselves in a story that transcends time and borders.

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