Here are 5 interesting facts about the grand making of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi that we bet you didn’t know! Read on to find out…
Bhansali recently spoke about how, upon reading his friend Moin Beig’s 25-page “Heeramandi,” he was truly fascinated by that world. The filmmaker expressed that every character from the series captivated him, describing each of them as “beautiful, charming women.” “I was fascinated by these characters,” said Bhansali. “And I found them to be such beautiful, charming women. They were so educated. They knew the art of conversations. They were artists.”
Nestled in the historical city of Lahore, now within present-day Pakistan, Heeramandi once thrived as a vibrant center for the arts, encompassing culture, music, poetry, dance, etiquette, and refinement. Aristocratic families entrusted their offspring to be tutored in the arts and manners by the courtesans living there. The courtesans of Heeramandi were held in high esteem, gracing exclusive gatherings with their presence as a mark of distinction. However, following the British colonization of India, Heeramandi underwent a gradual transformation into a red-light district. Eventually, in the 2010s, the Government of Pakistan took measures to shutter its doors.
Why Bhansali Wanted To Tell The Story Of Heeramandi
Bhansali believes that today’s generations lack an understanding of the significance of Heeramandi as a “special place” and aims to pay homage to both the place and its inhabitants. This is particularly poignant considering the area’s reputation today, solely for vulgarity and sexuality.”Heeramandi was a very special place,” Bhansali said. “It was a place of arts, culture. It was a place of etiquettes. It was a place of artists.”
Bollywood maestro Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Netflix series has taken the OTT world by storm. It’s been a week, but “Heeramandi” is everywhere—across all social media platforms and on the lips of everyone discussing content. It has transported us back to explore the intriguing courtesan culture of the Mughal era. Today, without delving into critiques or discussing performances, music, or storyline, we’re taking readers behind the scenes to uncover what went into the making of this exquisitely grand visual treat. Because one thing we can all easily agree on is that the aesthetics of this series are entirely remarkable, surpassing all of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s previous over the top ventures.
So, if you’re curious about the intricate details of the sets, the majestic jewels, and just how many outfits each character truly had, read on…
1.It’s Now The Biggest SLB Set Ever
Bhansali created his largest set ever for “Heeramandi,” spanning three acres. A team of 700 craftsmen spent seven months constructing the set in Mumbai’s Film City, using around 60,000 wooden planks and metal frames. The result? The grand Shahi Mahal, Mallikajaan’s royal palace, covering nearly 160,000 square feet—a stunning backdrop for the series.
2. 10,000 pieces Of Real, Exquisite Jewellery
Bhansali and Richa Chada shared that over 10,000 real jewelry pieces were used in the series, with actors often wearing originals. To protect these valuables, security was increased, with guards stationed outside sets and wardrobe departments.
The designer, Vinay Gupta, explained that the jewelry took three years to meticulously craft, drawing heavily from Mughal and traditional designs known for their intricate detail. Mughal jewelry is famous for its complex filigree work and precious stone embellishments like diamonds, emeralds, and rubies, reflecting the opulence of that era. These pieces often feature motifs such as flowers, birds, and geometric patterns, showcasing the exceptional artisan skill of the Mughal period.
3. The Attention To Detail
Bhansali emphasized that the production spared no expense. The sets, constructed on an expansive 3-acre space in a Mumbai studio, boasted grandeur with features like chandeliers, fountains, and hand-embroidered panels. Additionally, furniture was meticulously sourced from antique shops throughout India. The shoot spanned a total of 380 days, during which the actors dedicated 2-3 hours each day to transform into their characters, meticulously attending to hair, makeup, and wardrobe.
4. Rimple and Harpreet Create over 300 Outfits Over A Period Of 2 Years
The costumes, meticulously crafted by Rimple and Harpreet, boasted intricate designs, old world glamour and meticulous attention to detail. Bhansali openly acknowledged the challenges faced, leading to multiple recreations of certain costumes. Over the course of two years, renowned fashion designers Rimple and Harpreet dedicated their expertise to creating over 300 outfits for the series.
5. The Obscenely High Budget
The production scale of ‘Heeramandi‘ matches its ambitious narrative, boasting a budget of approximately Rs 200 crores. Sanjay Leela Bhansali, renowned for his grand cinematic visions, reportedly commanded a fee of around Rs 60-70 crore for his involvement in the series.
