Heeramandi Real Story: Whenever filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali brings a project, it remains in the news for many reasons. This time he is in the headlines for the web series ‘Hiramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’. Writer Moin Baig had given Sanjay Leela Bhansali the idea of making a film on the Hiramandi area of Lahore 14 years ago. However, at that time he could not make a film on it because he was busy with other scripts.
Now after years, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is coming with a web series on Hiramandi. Hiramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is being discussed a lot. Recently its release date was also announced. In such a situation, let us know what is the real story of Hiramandi.
story of hiramandi
According to reports, the history of Hiramandi is 450 years old. Hiramandi is an area in Lahore city of Pakistan. It is also known as ‘Shahi Mohalla’. According to Dailyo, this area emerged during the Mughal period. At that time, women from Uzbekistan and Afghanistan used to come here and used to dance classically and sing songs. From that time it was seen as associated with art. This area was a center of art during the Mughal period in the 15th and 16th centuries.
However, after the attack of Ahmed Shah Abdali, this area turned into a red light area. Then even during the British Raj, brothels were built here and gradually it became the center of prostitution.
Why was the locality of Lahore named Hiramandi?
Heeramandi literally means market of diamonds, however, it has nothing to do with the diamond market. According to BBC Urdu, Lahore was ruled by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1799. At the same time, Hiramandi was named after Heera Singh, Diwan of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He had made a grain market here. After this it started being called Heera Di Mandi and then its name came to be Hiramandi.
During the reign of Akbar, Hiramandi was called ‘Shahi Mohalla’. Many brothels located here belong to the period of Mughal rule.
‘Rich people’s area’
Speaking to BBC Urdu, Professor Tripurari Sharma said, ‘During the Mughal period, families of rich people lived in these areas. His programs lived in royal palaces. At that time the brothel was called the center of art, where dance, singing etc. were taught. The women here used to call themselves actresses. People also used to come here to learn high level conversation.
Pakistani writer Fauzia Saeed has also written about Hiramandi in her book ‘Tebo: The Haddon Culture of a Red Light Area’. According to the writer, ‘We only think about him that he was just a sex worker. Earlier I too had thought the same but when I went there and saw it, I was shocked because it was the center of literature. Hiramandi has given birth to well-known writers, poets and artists.
When will Heeramandi stream?
Let us tell you that Hiramandi will be streamed from May 1. It will be seen on OTT platform Netflix. The release date of the web series was announced through a drone light show at an event held at Mahalaxmi Race Course in South Mumbai. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is going to make his digital debut through Heeramandi. Fans are very excited about the web series.
These actresses will be seen in web series
Many popular faces will be seen in this web series. In its cast, actresses like Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Sehgal, Sanjeeda Sheikh and Aditi Rao Hydari will showcase their acting and dancing skills. Many posters of the web series have been released.
The first looks of the actresses have also been revealed. All the actresses were seen in traditional attire. With this its first song ‘Sakal Ban’ is out. The actresses have shown a glimpse of classical dance in Sakal Ban.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s biggest project is Heeramandi
Hiramandi is one of the special projects of Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Talking about it, Sanjay had said, ‘This is the first such epic web series based on the courtesans of Lahore. This is an ambitious, grand series, so I’m both nervous and excited to make it. I am excited about our partnership with Netflix and bringing Heeramandi to audiences around the world. The story of the show will be shown about love, betrayal, inheritance and politics happening in the chambers.
He had said, ‘I have made big films, I enjoy making big films. But by shifting to digital I have taken it a notch higher. Hiramandi is my biggest project. I want to make it very special and I have surprised even myself with this. This is not just a series, it is a world and I am excited for people all over the world to get completely immersed in it.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali made such projects
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for his music, classical dance and lavish sets in films. Everything in his films is shot on a grand scale. From outfit-jewellery to the details of the set, Sanjay Leela Bhansali himself is involved in everything. He has made films like Khamoshi, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Black, Saawariya, Guzaarish, Bajirao Mastani, Padmavat, Gangubai Kathiawadi, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram Leela. His films remain in discussion as much as they are in controversies due to their content. It also creates a lot of buzz at the box office. Last time his film Gangubai Kathiawadi was released. Alia Bhatt was seen in this film.
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