Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s films have always drawn attention to the mysterious charm of courtesans and sex workers. Madhuri Dixit’s graceful poise in ‘Devdas’, Alia Bhatt’s powerful performance in ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ and now the mesmerizing ensemble in ‘Heeramandi’. These fascinating characters have always occupied the center stage in Bhansali’s stories.
In a recent interview with Galatta Plus, the director finally revealed why he is so obsessed with these characters. “I feel like they are women with a lot of mysteries, a lot of mysteries. Courtesans, tawaifs, prostitutes… they are different. But they always exude a certain power and that I think it’s very interesting to see how they express their own joys and sorrows through music and dance, and understand the art of living, the importance of architecture, and the types of jewelry they wear.
Bhansali’s appeal goes deeper than mere aesthetics. He explained, “Hum log kya hain? Hum log artiste log hain. Usko ap samajgir boro, band boro… jo chahe bolo. Just ko and wo chahie.” I have to make it very mysterious. As a child, all those people, it would pass… I, I, you, you, medical records. Waha Pejoration Kirain, I am a middle-class housewife, Kadehainwomje, charming Nahikarti (Who are we? We are artists. What do you do? (Also) Call them, I still need them, When I was in school, I became interested in four middle-class women who were standing in the distribution line. ”
Bhansali’s latest film, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, will premiere on Netflix on May 1 and promises to be a visually sumptuous experience into the world of courtesans. Starring an all-star cast including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Haidari, and Rityachada, the series follows Heera through the lens of a courtesan and her patrons, set against the turbulent backdrop of India’s freedom struggle in the 1940s. Explore the glorious district of Mandi.
