Come and experience the magic of Bhansali’s Heeramandi – where each costume, jewelry piece, and performance draw you into a captivating story, leaving you yearning for more!
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's debut web series, ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’, tells a fascinating story from India’s independence movement. And the show’s major highlight is its elegance and glamor all around, especially in its costumes that combine elaborate designs and traditional craftsmanship with European influences. With the show becoming Netflix’s most favorite, let's explore Bhansali's opulent world even further!
After four years of hard work, the eight-episode series exploring the lives of six courtesans against the backdrop of India’s freedom struggle finally premiered on the OTT platform on May 1. With its beautifully choreographed classical dances and heartfelt themes of love and loss, Bhansali has poured his heart into it, paying homage to timeless classics like "Pakeezah," "Mother India," and "Mughal-e-Azam." As big names in Bollywood opt out of releasing films in May due to the ongoing Lok Sabha election, "Heeramandi" naturally takes the spotlight as the month's biggest release!
Credit: rimpleandharpreet
Heeramandi's lavish costumes are the handiwork of designer duo Rimple and Harpreet, renowned for their extravagant bridal wear. Over two years, they meticulously crafted 300 outfits for 15 characters, including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, and Fardeen Khan. Drawing inspiration from archival textiles and vintage photographs, they employed traditional techniques like zardozi and hand-block printing. Historical accuracy was ensured through references to old paintings of tawaifs and studying the fashion of iconic Indian singers and actors like Suraiya Jamal Sheikh and Noor Jehan.
In the mid-20th century, India was a vibrant blend of cultures, from Nawabi and Sikh to British and European influences. SLB's ‘Heeramandi’ beautifully captures this fusion, with costumes ranging from traditional Lucknowi Chatapati to elegant French lace sarees. The attention to detail is stunning, with hand-painted fabrics and intricate jewelry crafted by Shri Parimani Jewels, inspired by Mughal design. It's like stepping into a bygone era of richness and sophistication, where every outfit tells a story of its own!
Credit: netflix_in
In ‘Heeramandi’, the women shine in ornate Ghararas, brocade Lehengas, and sparkling Saris, while the men don stylish Kurta Pyjamas and Sherwanis, blending tradition with British flair. Tajdar, portrayed by Taha Shah, trades Western suits for Kurta pyjamas as he embraces the fight for freedom. Aditi Rao Hydari captivates in a scarlet red anarkali, while Richa Chadha radiates grace in a regal blue anarkali. Sonakshi Sinha's character, Fareedan, glimmers in a blush Chantilly lace sari. Vintage makeup and harmonized colors heighten the cinematic opulence, echoing the camaraderie among the women in their tale of love and liberation.
Credit: _bolly_viewed_
In Bhansali’s world, he's always had a knack for capturing the essence of women's complex lives, be it Chandramukhi, Gulaab, or Ganga. With ‘Heeramandi’, he brings to life the stories of six women craving love, acceptance, and freedom. The web series format lets him explore their journeys with depth and detail, making it his most politically charged project yet, surprising everyone with its depth and brilliance!
