Sanjay Leela Bhansali: Working on 'Heeramandi' was exhausting— an incredibly satisfying experience

A year since its grand debut, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, starring Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chadha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sanjeeda Sheikh, and Sharmin Segal, remains a benchmark in Indian OTT storytelling—both for its cinematic scale and the depth of its character-driven drama. At the heart of this ambitious Netflix series is master filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for turning every frame into visual poetry. In this candid conversation, Bhansali looks back on the intense creative journey that went into crafting Heeramandi, a project that not only expanded the boundaries of episodic storytelling but also offered career-defining roles to its ensemble cast.
How do you look back on the Heeramandi experience?
Exhausting—but incredibly satisfying. Each episode was conceived as a complete film, not just part of a series. That’s why so many viewers return to individual episodes; each one stands alone as a distinct emotional and visual experience.
The casting was crucial to the success of Heeramandi, wasn’t it?
Absolutely! One wrong casting choice could have collapsed the entire structure. Fortunately, I got exactly the actors I envisioned. Every performer fits their role perfectly. The women—Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chadha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sanjeeda Sheikh, and Sharmin Segal—were not just playing parts; they became the soul of Heeramandi. And the male cast was equally committed. Their dedication made this world come alive.
Manisha Koirala described Heeramandi as her second innings. Do you agree?
I hope so. She is absolutely breathtaking as Mallikajan. I began my career with her in Khamoshi: The Musical, where she was fabulous. In Heeramandi, she worked extremely hard—on her diction, posture, and presence. She brought an unmatched gravitas to the role.
If given a chance, would you change anything about Heeramandi?
Not a single shot. I stand by every frame. Each of the eight episodes felt like making a feature film. For me, creativity is a constant challenge I pose to myself. I may not always achieve perfection, but the pursuit of it gives my work meaning.
How do you respond when people call Heeramandi the best Indian series on OTT?
I’m deeply grateful. Of everything I’ve made so far, Heeramandi has received the most love. That means the world to me.