Lights on in SLB’s Lahore

Bhansali to roll Heeramandi, a courtesan drama set in pre-independence Lahore, from June 15

After the mammoth success of Gangubai Kathiawadi, Sanjay Leela Bhansali immediately dived into the world of Heeramandi. The Netflix series tells the story of love, betrayal and politics in the lives of the courtesans in pre-independence Lahore. While pre-production work began in March, it is now heard that the perfectionist is ready to call the shots on his maiden web offering. 

The Madhuri Dixit, Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha and Huma Qureshi-starrer is set to go on floors on June 15 in Film City. A unit hand reveals, “The original plan was to roll on June 3, but the makers spent the last two weeks of May ironing out the details. Fittings and look tests were done with the leading ladies. Readings with the actors will be conducted over the next few days.”

Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Beginning mid-June, the first few weeks will be dedicated to filming the open-air sequences. Most indoor shots have been slotted for early July, when the Mumbai monsoon will be at its peak. Among the first important sequences lined up is an elaborate dance number for which 200 background dancers have been summoned. The unit hand adds, “Bhansali sir will serve as the showrunner, with different directors helming different episodes. However, Bhansali will direct the first episode, thus setting the tone and vision of his magnum opus. 

Directors Vibhu Puri and Mitakshara Kumar will take over the reins for the other episodes thereon.”

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