Fans on Tuesday went gaga after the much-awaited Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar's trailer was released. Created by veteran filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar will be released on Netflix on May 1, 2024. Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar marks the debut of Sanjay Leela Bhansali in the world of web series. Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is an epic drama that features Manisha Koirala as Mallikajaan, Sonakshi Sinha as Fareedan, Aditi Rao Hydari as Bibbojaan, Richa Chadha as Lajjo, Sanjeeda Sheikh as Waheeda, Sharmin Segal as Alamzeb, Shekhar Suman, Adhyayan Suman and more in the leading roles. Now, the question arises whether Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is a true story or Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is a real story or not. Below is everything you need to know-
Is Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar a true story?
The answer is yes and no at the same time. While the makers have not mentioned that Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is a true story, it has an uncanny resemblance with a real-life place that shares the same history that is portrayed in Bhasali's web series.
Going by the trailer of Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, it can be said that Manisha Koirala plays the head of the palace where women are trained to entice men with their dancing and singing. Sonakshi Sinha appears to be playing the rebel who breaks out and tries to establish her own identity. Aditi Rao Hydari’s character is involved in the freedom struggle. Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Fardeen Khan, Shekhar Suman, and Adhyayan Suman can also be seen in the trailer.
Where is real-life Heeramandi?
The answer is Lahore, Pakistan. As per reports, 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.
As the name suggests Heeramandi means diamond market in English. However, it is believed that Heera is also used as Heers referring to the courtesans or Tawaiffs of Shahi Mohalla, who looked as beautiful as the diamonds. Currently, Heera Mandi is the busiest eating hub, with street food stalls, and vintage restaurants, during the day. However, prostitution in the region continues as night falls.
To know more click on Heeramandi's History