MELBOURNE, 1 May, 2024: Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi – The Diamond Bazaar, has eight episodes. I have seen the first five episodes. Meanwhile, what I have seen of this period drama has mesmerised me, embedding me to the pre-independence era Lahore engulfed in India’s freedom struggle, which forms the background of this series, dealing with the lives and times of ‘tawaifs’ (professional courtesans) in Lahore’s red-light-district, Heeramandi.
Watching the starting episode (Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali), I had a feeling of Kamal Amrohi’s ‘Pakeezah’ (1972) and a bit of Muzaffar Ali’s ‘Umrao Jaan’ (1981). But as Moin Beg’s story developed, with gigantic sparkling sets, and a rather intriguing story-line, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s genius is revealed. The struggle of the young would-be courtesan Alamzeb (Sharmil Seghal) against being inducted as a ‘tawaif’ by the ‘Kotha’s (whorehouse) boss Mallikajaan (Manisha Koirala), and the struggle of India’s Independence sets the series ambience to a spiral of romance, rivalry, murder, property disputes, revolt, poetry and human tragedy.
Alamzeb escapes her Heeramandi abode and goes to Tajdar. He is in love but reluctant to accept a ‘Kotha’ girl. Alamzeb denies being a ‘Kotha’ girl and is determined not to go back to Heeramandi. She says, “Aap angrazon se azadi chate hain – main heeramandi se.” (You want freedom from the British, I want freedom from Heeramandi).
Tajdar (Taaha Shah), the Nawab’s son and his romantic chemistry with Alamzeb amid their participation in India’s freedom struggle are beautifully done. The dialogues are well knitted in the script. Tajdar says, ” Patte todne se pade nahi girte – Jadae katni padti hain.” (A tree does not fall by plucking its leaves – its roots have to be cut).
The Urdu dialogues give a realistic and nostalgic flavour to this period drama. This is a women’s series – Manisha Koirala (Mallikajaan), Sonakshi Sinha (Fareedan), Aditi Rao Hydari (Bibbojaan), Richa Chadha (Lajjo), Sanjeeds Shiekh (Waheeda) and Sharmin Segal (Alamzeb). The other actors including Farida Jalal, Fardeen Khan, among others are comfortable with their roles.
Manisha Koirala gives a powerful performance as the ‘Kotha’ boss. Sonakshi Sinha (Manisha’s rival) fits well in her role excelling as a talented actress. In the song ‘Tilasmi Bahein’ written by AM Turaz and sung by Sharmistha Chatterjee with music composed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Sonakshi Sinha is at her best.
Actress Sharmin Segal, with stunning beauty, elegance and high-octane acting steals the show. She has a good future in the film industry.
The stunning dances, parties, romance, and intense scenes are choreographed excellently. The period feeling in the sets is a truism. Though, at times, I could not guess the year the events were taking place. In some scenes the sets could have been better.
The five episodes are – Mallikajaan- The Queen of Heeramandi, Fareedan-The Challenger Returns, Waheedajaan- Scarred for Life, Alemzeb- The Innocent Pawn and Tajdaar-The Lovers Dilemma. Plus, the rest of the three episodes will start streaming on Netflix from 1 May, 2024.
Well done, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and team.
This is not a complete review. Episode-wise review not done to keep viewer curiosity. Rating will come in the comprehensive review of all the eight episodes.
Concept: Moin Beg
Creator-Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Executive Producers: Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Prerna Singh
Cast: Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Sharmin Segal, Shekhar Suman, Fardeen Khan, Adhyayan Suman, Taha Shah Badussha
Netflix release date – May 1, 2024.
Total episodes- Eight.
