Sanjay Leela Bhansali says ‘Heera Mandi’ will build a bridge of cultural unity between India and Pakistan: ‘We are all one’

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali spoke about his choice to tell a story centered around Muslim characters in Lahore in his debut streaming series ‘Heera Mandi: The Diamond Bazaar’. The decision comes at a time when Pakistani artists still face barriers in India. Nevertheless, he expressed gratitude for the support he has received from Pakistani viewers and emphasized the show’s cohesiveness.

In an interview with IndieWire, Bhansali highlighted the warmth he received from Pakistani audiences, stating that they had been looking forward to this depiction of the story. He highlighted the shared cultural ties between India and Pakistan and underlined the series’ overarching message. He addressed the potential controversy and noted that the focus should remain on the love and connection the two countries share for this creative endeavor.

“There was so much love that I received from Pakistan. People were anxiously waiting for it and waiting for this to be told. When all of India was one and not divided, It’s a work that somehow brings us all together. These people belong to us as much as they belong to us. I think they belong to both of us. And both countries are finally showing a lot of love for this show to be produced. I still feel like we’re one and we’re all connected in so many ways. There’s a lot of love for people on both sides, but apart from a few people trying to cause trouble, those are irrelevant.”

While Bhansali acknowledged that there had been challenges in the past with his work, including threats and attacks, he said there was no major opposition during the making of ‘Heera Mandi’ and it was well received. He emphasized the relatability of his characters and the variety of reactions they evoked, and welcomed both praise and criticism as part of the artistic process and audience participation. “There’s something about the characters that connects with the people in my work. That’s why they talk about it. A lot of people like it, a lot of people don’t like it. It’s about the audience and the filmmakers. It’s part of the give and take. I don’t mind being loved if they give me love, and I don’t really care if they criticize me if they don’t connect with my work.”

In an earlier interview, Bhansali mentioned that the project was launched with the involvement of prominent stars like Kareena Kapoor and Rekha, and later collaborated with Pakistani talents like Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan and Imran Abbas. . The series finally premiered on May 1 with a cast that included Manisha Koirala, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sharmin Segal, Taha Shah Badusha, Shekhar Suman and Adhyayan Suman.

News18 Showsha praised Manisha’s performance in her review of Heera Mandi. Giving the series her 4.5 star rating, the review reads: She’s an easy scene stealer and after all the times she’s played a variety of weak women, it’s a feast for the eyes to see her having fun with gray characters. ”

In her review, Sonakshi Sinha also praised it. “She is brilliant, insightful, and sarcastic. And she is not afraid of anyone. After all, all women are more than just tawaifs. Ambition is their eternal companion, and they use their beauty as a weapon to lure men into bed. When the time comes, it will make them powerless.”