Netflix brings you the opportunity to get into the world of “Heeramandi” (The Diamond Bazaar), where love, tragedy, and revolution mingle against the backdrop of British-ruled India in the 1920s. Directed by the acclaimed Sanjay Leela Bhansali, whose cinematic brilliance has graced screens worldwide, this period drama promises to be an extraordinary trip through history and human emotions.
“Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar” introduces viewers to the bustling streets of pre-independence Lahore, a melting pot of cultures and ambitions. Against this backdrop, the battle for independence from British colonial control plays out intertwined with the personal experiences of its residents – the tawaifs (concubines) in Lahore’s red-light district, Heera Mandi.
Plot overview:
Heeramandi, located in the busy Indian walled city of Lahore, is a haven of luxury and intrigue where courtesans known as tawaifs enchant nobles with their fascinating performances. Mallikajaan, a formidable woman at the helm of this universe, confronts an unexpected challenge when Fareedan, the daughter of her long-time enemy, returns to seek vengeance. As Mallika deals with threats to her power, her daughters, Bibbo and Alam, forge their pathways through the volatility of revolution and personal ambition.
The series features an ensemble cast that includes Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, and Aditi Rao Hydari. From Mallika, the tenacious courtesan, to Tajdar, a nawab’s son with a mystery past, each character adds complexity and intrigue to the unfolding story.
Watch the trailer for Heeramandi
Is it based on a true story?
While based on historical facts, “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar” is a fictitious story about courtesans and feudal rulers at a watershed moment in Indian history.
Heeramandi, which means “diamond market” in Urdu, is a neighborhood in Lahore, Pakistan. The area, which rose to prominence during the Mughal Empire as a place where women primarily from Afghanistan and Uzbekistan danced, sang, and entertained the emperors, became a hotbed of prostitution when the British established brothels there for the leisure of British soldiers under the Raj. Heeramandi’s reputation plummeted during this period, and it became known as a prostitute hotbed.
Where does the name Heeramandi come from?
The word Heeramandi originated in the cultural landscape of Lahore during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s reign. Following the end of the Mughal era, Maharaja Ranjit Singh revived various royal traditions, notably the sponsorship of tawaifs and their performances at court. After creating a food grain market, he gave the region the name “Heeramandi,” which had previously been known as “Hira Singh di Mandi.” Over time, the term evolved to represent its connection to the bustling world of courtesans and cultural exchange.
Behind the scenes
Written by Moin Beg, the 8-episode-long series offers a fresh and original perspective on a bygone era, complemented by Bhansali’s signature style and vision. Baig gave filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali the concept for Heeramandi, a story about courtesans in Lahore’s Heeramandi district, about 14 years ago.
