In the entertainment industry, we often see a new web series making its way to an OTT platform. While a few series make an early impression, others instantly fade out as if they never existed. However, there are a few series that etched history with their story, star cast and grandeur. Still wondering which series we are talking about? One such series caught everyone’s attention, and it’s none other than Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi.
Released in 2024, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s debut series, Heeramandi, became one of the most influential series on the OTT platform. The series not only captured the audience’s attention but also went on to set a standard in Indian cinema. But did you know, Heeramandi was made with a massive budget. Not in Rs 50 or Rs 100 crore, according to media reports, Heeramandi was made on a whopping budget of nearly Rs 200 crore.
What made Heeramandi an expensive series?
Renowned filmmaker and producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for his fine artistic works in Indian cinema. Bhansali, known for his works like Bajirao Mastani, Ram-Leela, Gangubai Kathiawadi and several other films, went on to make his debut with Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar in the world of OTT. With the arrival of Heeramandi on OTT, the web series soon became an audience favourite. Not only that, Heeramandi went on to become the top 10 trending series on Netflix within a few days of its release.
The grand starcast of Heeramandi
For the unversed, Heeramandi’s plot is set in the era of pre-independence in Lahore. Where the world of courtesans, affluence, and the struggle for freedom all come together. Bhansali presented the series in his own unique style, with grand sets, stunning costumes, and a story etched with emotions. The cast includes Bollywood actresses Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, and Sharmin Segal, who all add charm with their performances. Apart from the female stars, Heeramandi starred with some of the phenomenal male actors. They were Fardeen Khan as Wali Mohammed, Adhyayan Suman as Zoravar, Shekhar Suman as Zulfikar, and Taha Shah Badussha as Tajdar.
Heermandi’s award collection
Following the release of Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, it received widespread acclaim from audiences and the film fraternity alike. The series swept the Filmfare OTT Awards 2024, receiving 17 nominations and winning five. Manisha Koirala received the Best Actress award for her stellar performance, while Sanjay Leela Bhansali was honoured as Best Director. Following the show’s success, Netflix announced a second season in June 2024, which viewers are eagerly awaiting.
