Heeramandi - Sanjay Leela Bhansali reveals THESE popular actresses were his first choice for the series

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s highly-anticipated series, Heeramandi, is set to release today, May 1, on Netflix.

Heeramandi: Sanjay Leela Bhansali (Source: Instagram)

Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar - the highly-anticipated series, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali is finally releasing today, May 1. The show makes Bhansali's web series debut and stars Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Manisha Koirala, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Sehgal, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Fardeen Khan, Taha Shah Badussha, Shekhar Suman, and Adhyayan Suman. The grand promotions of the show have already generated excitement among the audiences. But did you know these actors were not the first choice for the show? The filmmaker recently dropped a big bombshell and revealed his OG picks for the series.

Who were the first choice for Heeramandi?

While the filmmaker was in Los Angeles for the grand premiere of the show, he confessed that his first choice for Heeramandi were Rekha, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Rani Mukerji. He further revealed that he then changed the cast into Pakistani actors Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan.

ALSO READ: Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Heeramandi's journey - I had the concept 18 years ago, but there were no...

In a Reddit video that is currently going viral, when asked about the first choices of the cast, Sanjay Leela Bhansali said, "This was 18 years ago, at one point it was Rekha ji, Kareena and Rani Mukerji."

“Then it changed into another cast. It was Mahira Khan, the Pakistani actress, at one point, with Imran Abbas and Fawad Khan. But that changed…” he added.

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Fans are eagerly anticipating the show as Bhansali is renowned for his aesthetics and period dramas.

What is the story of Heeramandi?

The narrative of the show takes viewers to the time when courtesans reigned as monarchs. It is set against the backdrop of the Indian Independence struggle in the 1940s. The show showcases the cultural reality of Lahore's district - Heera Mandi. The official synopsis of the show reads: "The scheming Mallikajaan (Manisha Koirala) rules over an elite house of courtesans, but a new rival threatens her reign as rebellion brews in British-ruled India.”

Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and will start streaming on Netflix from today, May 1, 2024.

ALSO READ: Sanjeeda Shaikh on being a part of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi - 'Learned to be a good listener and a better actor' | Exclusive

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