Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming web series ‘Heeramandi’ has been the talk of the town since its announcement.
This highly-anticipated show promises to offer a glimpse into the lives of courtesans residing in Lahore’s famed red light district during pre-Independence India.
While the female cast comprising Manisha Koirala, Richa Chadha, Aditi Rao Hydari, and others has already generated buzz, makers have now revealed the male cast playing the roles of nawabs who were patrons of the district.
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Fardeen Khan makes a comeback as Nawab Mehmood Muhammad Vally
Fardeen Khan returns to the screen after a long hiatus to play the role of wealthy nobleman Nawab Mehmood Muhammad Vally.
From the first look revealed, he fits perfectly into the royal character. Fardeen expressed his excitement saying:
“Vally Mehmood Muhammad is the epitome of a Nawab who always stands by the women of Heeramandi.”
The actor looks poised to make a solid comeback with this complex character in SLB’s ambitious venture.
Shekhar Suman portrayed as powerful Nawab Julfakar
Veteran actor Shekhar Suman joins the cast as Nawab Julfakar, described as an authoritative figure who captures attention effortlessly. Shekhar Suman said about his role:
“An immense personality of strength and power, he commands attention with ease. I’m eager for viewers to see the story of Heeramandi which is close to all our hearts.”
Taha Shah plays the Nawab’s son Taajdaar
Young actor Taha Shah steps into the shoes of Taajdaar, the Nawab’s son whose character is conflicted between tradition and love.
“Taajdaar is a larger-than-life character representing nobility, compassion and indomitable grit. To play this dream role conceptualized by SLB has been an honor,” said Taha about landing this big break.
Aadhyayan Suman lands pivotal role as Zorawar
Aadhyayan Suman, son of actor Shekhar Suman also features in Heeramandi playing the role of Zorawar, the rebellious lover of courtesan Noor Jahan (Richa Chadha). On getting this major opportunity, Aadhyayan said:
“Zorawar holds a distinct sense of self-confidence as is expected of a Nawab’s progeny. To portray this intricately designed character by Bhansali has been beyond words an honour.”
More about the Grandeur of ‘Heeramandi’
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi ventures to explore the phenomenon of courtesans residing in Lahore’s famed red light district in the pre-Independence era whose influence extended to the powerful figures of the time.
Juxtaposed against the backdrop of India’s freedom struggle against British rule, the series promises to be a visual spectacle with a glimpse into Indian heritage.
The female cast comprising Manisha Koirala, Richa Chadha, Sonakshi Sinha has already built anticipation.
With names like Shekhar Suman and Fardeen Khan among principal characters, the series looks set to capture attention when it releases on OTT.
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The Making of an Epic Series
Knowing SLB’s larger-than-life directorial vision from films like Devdas, Bajirao Mastani, and Padmaavat, expectations are high of this ambitious venture.
The director is going all out to recreate 1940s since two years ago when he first conceived Heeramandi. Elaborate sets have been constructed copying architectural styles from that era.
For actors like Fardeen Khan, Taha Shah and Aadhyayan Suman, this marks their first project with SLB known for his exacting standards from performers.
The roles themselves seem meaty for the actors to showcase their talent to the fullest.
Bringing a Significant Chapter of History to Life
Heeramandi explores a culture of pre-Independence India that hasn’t yet been presented in this expansive format.
The influence of courtesans in areas extending beyond entertainment like the freedom movement symbolizes the spectrum of their identity.
This series will spotlight a significant aspect of the Indian ethos against the backdrop of British rule. Courtesans have mostly appeared in film item songs; Heeramandi traces their reality back in history.
As India continues to discover hidden facets of its past, Bhansali’s series holds promise in this portrait.
