Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar: Sanjay Leela Bhansali made his digital debut with Netflix series ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’, which released this week. The new series opened to mixed reviews for its storyline and performances delivered by the star-studded cast. However, the period drama also sparked controversy as social media users claimed historical inauthenticity in the portrayal of Heeramandi.
Pakistani netizens share videos of real Heeramandi
Amid the debate over the accuracy of Bhansali’s series, Pakistani internet users have shared a glimpse of the current time Heeramandi on Instagram. One such user from Pakistan, who goes by the username Minahil Ali Wattoo, shared a video from Heeramandi. She wrote, This one’s for all my Indian Friends who are currently binge watching @heeramandinetflix on @netflix_in and are curious about where it was irl in Lahore.”
The series ‘Heeramandi’ revolves around the lives of courtesans in the red-light district of Lahore. A few other Instagram users also gave a sneak peek into the real Heeramandi and showed how the place has transformed over the years.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali talks about Pakistan's response on Heeramandi series
Recently, in an interview with Indiewire, Sanjay Leela Bhansali talked about the love coming from Pakistan for the show ‘Heeramandi’.
Bhansali said, "There was so much love that I received from Pakistan, people waiting for it anxiously, waiting for this to be told. It’s a piece that somehow brings us all together, when all India was one, it was undivided. These people belong to us as much as they belong to them. I think they belong to both of us and both countries are showing a lot of love for finally the show being made. I still feel we’re all one, I still feel that we’re all connected in so many ways. There’s a lot of love for people on both sides, leave aside a few people would want to create issues — but those are not relevant.”
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s series features an ensemble cast of renowned actors such as Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, and Sharmin Segal. The Netflix series released on May 1.