Good content becomes a part of our world, but great content makes us a part of their world. Filmmaker, Sanjay Leela Bhansali always manages to do that. He is known for his impeccable storytelling, grand films, and attention to detail. After a long wait, his new web series, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, has been released on Netflix. Focusing on the life of courtesans or tawaifs from the pre-independence era, takes us into a new world, making us ask for more.
After watching the web series, everyone is curious to know more about that part of the human world, which has been left to the imagination of many. The life, traditions, work, and influence of tawaifs have become a sense of interest for the audience. If you are one of them, this article is for you.
Heeramandi was set up by Hira Singh Dogra, the Prime Minister of the Sikh Kingdom of Lahore, from September 17, 1843, to December 21, 1844. He was identified as the son of Dhian Singh Dogra, a prominent General of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. To enhance the local livelihood, he erected this bazaar. Earlier, it was reportedly owned by the royals and was a grain market called Shahi Mohalla.
Bhansali revealed in an interview that he read Moin Beig’s 14-page concept, Heeramandi, which grew his fascination for it. The characters, stories, history, and narratives of charming women compelled him to initiate a project around it. He intended to pay homage to the place and its inhabitants. So, he chose Heeramandi as the theme for his debut in the OTT space.
Tawaifs were not sex workers in the initial era of Heera Mandi. Unlike the stereotypes and stigma often attached to them in the modern era, tawaifs were well-known for their grace and manners. Their dance, music, and usual activities reflected their elegant style. Consequently, the place served as a cultural learning centre.
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Due to this, Sanjay Leela Bhansali worked hard on music and dance in the film. He took the role of a music composer as well. Moreover, he launched his music label, Bhansali music, with the album of this series. He remade three major songs: Sakal Ban'- with a 700-year-old history, Nazariya Ki Maari, a remake of a song from Pakeezah, and Phool Gendwa Na Maaro with other new ones. In the case of dance, Bhansali collaborated with a popular Kathak exponent, Vijayshree Chaudhary, for two songs. Overall, the dance was choreographed to mix tradition and modernity.
The visitors to the Diamond Bazaar were mainly rich men from the city's prominent families or royals. As a result, Heera Mandi earned decent money, and the courtesans were well-to-do. They contributed significantly to the local economy, paying the highest taxes. When a king used to go to war, they could lend him money to make contributions reflecting their economic stature.
All these aspects indicate that the place reflected wealth, which was carefully portrayed in the web series. Usually, two or 3-hour-long made by this filmmaker screamed luxury in every aspect with a significant investment from production houses. So, it wasn't surprising that his ambitious web series project had a Rs. 200 crore budget. Also, some rumours reveal that Bhansali took Rs. 60-70 crore for his work.
The controversies on the status and treatment of women remain. In the modern generation, there is an understanding that women were treated forcefully in that place. However, historical texts reflect that tawaifs had a better status. They were not forced to marry and could earn. They exerted political and power influence in society, which was against the patriarchal norms for women in the past. But, things became difficult for them over time, turning the place into a hub of prostitution.
As a result, the release of Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar gave rise to controversies. Pakistani doctor, Hamad Nawaz criticized the series for showcasing opulent brothels. The Kashmir Files director, Vivek Agnihotri, supported him. He called out the makers for romanticising courtesans and brothels, beginning a new debate.
After the Mughal rule and during the Sikh rule, there were invasions by Ahmad Shah Abdali. Due to that, the region underwent several transformations, and Heera Mandi was then known for prostitution. In the British era, it became bazaar-e-husn, which means (flesh trade market). Tawaifs lost their identity, becoming prostitutes for British soldiers.
Gradually, the reputation of Heera Mandi declined, and the sex trade took the spotlight. It still exists today with a dual identity. During the day, it is like any other market selling everyday goods. But at night, it turns into a brothel.
Every still or clip of Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar will make you obsessed over its expensive and intricate jewellery pieces worn by the actors. The actors revealed in an interview that 10,000 authentic jewellery pieces were made weighing 300 kg. Given their value, exceptional security was stationed to protect them. Further, the ace designer, Vinay Gupta confirmed the facts.
In an interview, he shared that his forefathers worked as treasurers of the Mughal royals, which made them an ideal choice for this project. At the same time, the designs were inspired by complex Mughals and detailed traditional jewellery from that era. Consequently, various gems like diamonds, emeralds, and rubies were used. Some of those statement pieces feature motifs such as birds and geometric patterns.
Additionally, costume designers, Rimple and Harpreet designed 300 different outfits for the show, which impressed fashion enthusiasts. Shot over 280 days, using authentic jewellery pieces and exquisite costumes, this web series has elevated the standard of Indian filmmaking.
The first released song of Heera Mandi was ‘Sakal Ban.’ It has a 700-year-old history with lyrics written by an Indo-Persian Sufi singer, musician, and poet, Amir Khusrau. He was a prominent figure from the era of the Delhi Sultanate. As a popular figure in history, he is often called the 'Voice of India,' 'Parrot of India,' or the 'Father of Urdu literature.' Moreover, he is regarded as the 'Father of qawwali' and introduced the ghazal song style in the Indian subcontinent.
On the day of Basant Panchami, Khusrau saw some people going to the temple. They held flowers and wore yellow colorus. On asking, Khusrau learned that it was a way to please the deity. Later, he brought flowers, danced, and sang to please his guru, Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia. His guru was grieving the death of his nephew, who had turned into a legend with yellow flowers and chadar offered at Hazrat Nizamuddin's shrine. He later wrote the lyrics, which have been recreated on screen several times by different artists.
The filmmaker focused on Heera Mandi, who later became anonymous. He highlighted an overlooked aspect of Indian History. The series is a mix of historical drama with rich storytelling, and Bhansali's grandeur creates a visual and narrative feast for the audience, which impresses us all the more.
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