Renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansalihas long been celebrated for his opulent storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and unparalleled attention to detail. With a portfolio that boasts timeless classics like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Padmaavat, and Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Bhansali has carved a niche for himself in Indian cinema.
His latest venture, Heeramandi: The Diamond Baazaar, promises to be a departure from his usual repertoire, delving into the intriguing world of a brothel through an eight-episode series for Netflix. Yet, what many may not know is that the initial vision for Heeramandi was quite different, with Pakistani actors Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan in mind.
In a surprising revelation, Bhansali recently disclosed that when he first thought of making Heeramandi, it was envisioned as a film rather than a series.
During that phase, the esteemed filmmaker wanted to cast Rekhaji, Kareena Kapoor, Rani Mukerji, Imran Abbas, Mahira Khan, and Fawad Khan,
When quizzed about the casting process during a conversation, Bhansali said, “I had multiple castings in my mind, the idea has been there for 18 years. I thought about Rekhaji and then Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukerji. It was a film back then. I then also thought about Mahira Khan, the Pakistani actress, and Imran Abbas and Fawad Khan were also in my mind at one point in time. But I ended up with this ensemble cast."
Heeramandi stars Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Sharmin Segal, Adhyayan Suman, Shekhar Suman, Fardeen Khan and Farida Jalal in pivotal roles. It is currently streaming on Netflix.
Kim Kardashian Paris robbery case revisited in new BBC Three documentaryGetty Images 
Kim Kardashian 2016 diamond heist case brought eight people to justice nearly a decade after the robberyGetty Images
Kim Kardashian arrives at the Assize Court for the trial Getty Images
Cancelled ShowsInstagram/sirrodstewart
Rod Stewart set to reunite with Ronnie Wood at GlastonburyGetty Images 
Sun Pictures reveals the film logo with a teaser full of actionYoutube Screengrab/ Sun TV
Director Atlee guides Deepika through motion capture choreographyYoutube Screengrab/Sun TV
Amitabh Bachchangetty images
Ranbir Kapoorgetty images
Deepika’s decision is pushing conversations beyond the glamGetty Images 
Behind the glamour, Deepika Padukone is leading a quiet revolution in work cultureGetty Images 
From star to changemaker, Deepika Padukone is rewriting the rules of the setGetty Images 
When one woman said no to burnout, Bollywood was forced to listenGetty Images 
Challenging the grind: how Deepika is shifting industry norms one demand at a timeGetty Images
Deepika Padukone’s stand is making work-life balance a power move in Indian cinemaGetty Images