In a star-studded affair in Mumbai, renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali unveiled his much-anticipated debut web series Heeramandi, on Wednesday (24). The event witnessed a glittering ensemble of Bollywood's elite, with the cast of the show gracing the red carpet with elegance and charm.
Amidst the buzz surrounding the premiere, Sanjay Leela Bhansali himself shared insights into the making of "Heeramandi" and its significance in the realm of Indian entertainment.
In an interview, Bhansali reflected on the challenges and triumphs of bringing this epic saga to life, describing it as a profound exploration of love, power, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of freedom against the backdrop of India's historic struggle for independence.
"This is the biggest set I have made in my life where walls have been pushed way beyond what I thought. So, I feel I have started enjoying and understanding more as my filmmaking has progressed," said Bhansali.
In an interview with Architectural Digest India, he said, "There are very few directors who weave architectures in the sets. My art directors, Shubhrot and Amrit get pretified when I start a film, because they are the first people who I show brains up."
Heeramandi boasts an ensemble cast featuring seasoned actors such as Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal, Shekhar Suman, and Adhyayan Suman, alongside the much-anticipated return of Fardeen Khan to the screen.
With its rich narrative and visually stunning portrayal,just a usual Bhansali production, the series promises to be a captivating journey through the corridors of history, woven together by Bhansali's signature cinematic flair.
Fardeen Khan who was out of an acting career for a long, made a comeback in Heeramandi, Dharmendra's daughter, Esha Deol praised him stating, his performance has singled out Fardeen Khan's performance, hailing it as spectacular.
Among the guests, Genelia Deshmukh and Esha Deol, who had the privilege of viewing the first two episodes, took to social media to express their admiration for the series. The grandeur of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's series was seen in the actors who arrived at the premiere, in their royal ensemble and royal woven fabrics, including Alia Bhatt, Ananya Pandey, Vicky Kaushal and many others.
As anticipation builds for the series' release on Netflix, fans and critics alike eagerly await to immerse themselves in the grandeur and emotion of Heeramandi, a testament to Bhansali's unparalleled storytelling prowess and his enduring legacy in Indian cinema.
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is an upcoming Indian Hindi-language period drama television series crafted by the visionary director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
The narrative delves into the intricacies of the lives led by tawaifs in the vibrant yet tumultuous red-light district of Heera Mandi in Lahore, set against the backdrop of the Indian independence movement's struggle against the British Raj.
A scene from The Thursday Murder Club, where four retirees turn amateur detectives in a quiet British village shaken by a real murderInstagram/NetflixUK
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.