The much-awaited Sanjay Leela Bhansali's debut web series, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar was released on Netflix on May 1, 2024 with high expectations. However, after its release, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar received mixed reviews from critics and fans on social media. While some lauded Sanjay Leela Bhansali for bringing unique & regal content, some called Netflix's Heeramandi not exciting. Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is a historical fictional drama based on the backdrop of the Pre-Indian independence era. Heeramandi features actors like Manisha Koirala as Mallikajaan, Sonakshi Sinha as Fareedan & Rehana, Aditi Rao Hydari as Bibbojaan, Richa Chadha as Lajjo, Sanjeeda Sheikh as Waheeda, Sharmin Segal as Alamzeb, Shekhar Suman, Adhyayan Suman as Nawab Zorawar Ali Khan and more in the leading roles. Keeping aside the mixed reviews, fans have been bowled over by SLB's lavish locations and costumes worn by actors and actresses in the eight-episode series.
Now, the question arises what was Heeramandi's budget and how much did actors and actresses charge to act in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's historical drama? Below is everything you need to know-
The total budget for making Heeramandi was Rs 200 crore. Out of 200 crore, film-maker Sanjay Leela Bhansali charged Rs 60 to 65 crore. As per FIlmiBeat, below is how much Heeramandi Starcast charged-
Sonakshi Sinha- Rs 2 crore
Manisha Koirala- Rs 1 crore
Aditi Rao Hydari- Rs 1-1.5 crore
Richa Chadha- Rs 1 crore
Sanjeeda Sheikh- Rs 40 lacs
About Real-life Heeramandi
Heeramandi is the oldest and the biggest red-light area in Pakistan. However, Heeramandi had a great historical importance. Initially, it was known as the Shahi Mohalla. Shahi Mohalla had a rich cultural history dating back to the Mughal era. Located in Lahore, the area served as a vibrant cultural centre in the 15th and 16th centuries, entertaining the royal Rajas & Maharajas with its refined courtesans and performers. Shahi Mohalla was the epicenter of 'Tawaiff culture' when women performers were performers and limited to presenting art forms for royals. During that phase, the tawaifs from Afghanistan and Uzbekistan were not linked to X-rated work.
Heeramandi was set up by Hira Singh Dogra. Hira Singh Dogra was the Prime Minister of Punjab during the reign of Sher-e-Punjab, Ranjit Singh. He thought that apart from housing Tawaifs, the Shahi Mohallas in the heart of the city should be used as an economic hub. He established a grains market in the neighbourhood, commonly known as 'Hira Singh di Mandi'. The world heera, which means diamond in Urdu, is also thought to describe the dancing girls of the area.