New Delhi: Sanjay Leela Bhansali's much-awaited series 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar' premiered on the streaming platform Netflix on May 1. The series based on the life of courtesans in the pre-independence era, marks the popular filmmaker's foray into the digital world. The multi-starrer drama that had the audience on the edge because of its grand-scale and opulent sets, opened to mixed reviews by viewers and critics alike.
Sheezan Khan shares his disappointment with SLB's 'Heeramandi'
Television actor Sheezan Khan, known for his performance in popular shows like 'Jodhaa Akbar' and 'Chaand Jalne Laga' among others, also took to his social media handle to express his views on Bhansali's 'Heeramandi.' Sheezan appeared underwhelmed by the Urdu diction of Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, and Sharmin Segal in the series.
In an Instagram story, Sheezan wrote, "Apart from Farida Jalal ji! Nobody could speak Urdu in SLB's 'Heeramandi.' Kisi ka Nuqta, KHA, Qaf apni jagah pe nahi hai!!! Kyun bhai kyun? Urdu ke saath itni Nainsaafi!!! Disappointed"
Netizens' Reviews of 'Heeramandi'
Bhansali’s ‘Heeramandi’ stars an ensemble cast including Sonakshi Sinha, Manisha Koirala, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh and Sharmin Segal along with Fardeen Khan, Shekhar Suman and Adhyayan Suman.
The highly-anticipated series opened to mixed reactions from viewers.
One user wrote, "#Heeramandi is a Historical Drama, It's Magnificent, Magical & Masterpiece. Grand Sets, Wow Costumes, Great performances & Superb Direction. Screenplay could have been better. sometimes It's stretched but worth watch."
Another user reviewed it as a "royal disappointment."
'Heeramandi' Review
ABP Live review of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Heeramandi' reads as, "Bhansali masterfully crafts compelling stories about each of his characters while keeping this as the pivot of the narrative. Lajjo (Richa Chadha), the one who has been betrayed in love, longs to escape the world she was forced to live in. However, her lover puts her in place and later marries a virginal and upright woman, leaving Lajjo devastated. Meanwhile, the older daughter of Mallkajaan and the very heart of Heeramandi, Aditi Rao Hydari, plays Bibbojaan, who is a tawaif by practice but a rebel in spirit. Hydari's portrayal of the character reveals a different aspect of these women, who are much more than just rich men’s source of amusement."