Shaheer Ahmed
Sanjay Leela Bhansali, regarded as one of Bollywood’s most illustrious directors, has produced a number of breathtaking works that can take audiences on fantastical journeys.
Similarly, just like that Bhansali has given out the trailer of her new project ‘Heeramandi’. The Pakistanis have raised a lot of concerns regarding this new project. Heeramandi is Bhansali’s first effort at the streaming service, and it features his interpretation of the courtesans who work in Lahore’s Red Light District.
The series, which has been generating headlines for the past few years, has at long last shown its first look, putting an end to the rumors that have been circulating about it.
Even with lavish sets and intricate costumes, Bhansali’s selection of subject matter has caused some people to raise their heads. It has been said that his art direction is an experiment in and of itself and that his frames, which have been likened to paintings several times, allow for a sense of bittersweet nostalgia for the beauty of South Asia’s past.
However, many took to social media and went on to question whether the story itself is India’s to tell. A user penned, “Indian producers use Pakistani stories that Pakistanis themselves should have told the world. Sigh.”
Indian producers use Pakistani stories that Pakistanis themselves should have told the world. Sigh https://t.co/nMdzbg1yfO
— Marwah Khan (@TheMarwahKhan) February 18, 2023
Im crying people think Pakistan can make a heeramandi series
— Raza (@alirazah) February 20, 2023
Some questions about heera mandi after twtr disKorse:
1. Heera mandi existed in sub-continental Lahore. Why are we upset that it’s a Pakistani thing SLB stole?
2. Royal kids were sent to Courtesans to learn mannerism. Why are we upset that these women might not have accents?
— فریحہ ✪ (@fay_alif) February 19, 2023
3. How many fact based documentaries has SLB made that we’re upset about factual inaccuracies in HM?
4. Have you ever seen an Indian movie previously? Is this your first exposure to it? Is that why you’re treating it like a thesis?
— فریحہ ✪ (@fay_alif) February 19, 2023
https://twitter.com/MariaSartaj/status/1627239976386666496?s=20
One good thing about Netflix’s HEERAMANDI is that the series will thankfully normalize the use of the word ‘Heeramandi’ which is otherwise used as a slur in Pakistan. #HeeraMandi pic.twitter.com/K5e30ysZMb
— Muneeb Qadir (@muneebqadirmmq) February 18, 2023
Pakistanis wont let our directors release their films based on our local stories but will complain that India took our stories for their benefit. https://t.co/vSaqHnEpew
— Moochar (@AsliBinLaden) February 20, 2023
People have stated that Heeramandi should have been a project of Pakistan making it a hit just like Mula Jutt.
"Heeramandi could have been made in Pakistan and been a blockbuster."
How? Sab se pehle ban hoti, aur yeh statement share karne waley us ban ko support karte under the guise of morality.
Be for real kabhi toh in life
— Sajeer Shaikh (@sajeershaikh) February 19, 2023
One responded, “Also Pakistan has made plenty of Dramas on tawaifs and kothas and none of them have ever been hit because strong narratives are not allowed here. Why not see Heeramandi through the lens of Sanjay Leela Bhansali and see what he comes up with?”
Also Pakistan has made plenty of Dramas on tawaifs and kothas and none of them have ever been hit because strong narratives are not allowed here.
Why not see heera mandi through the lens of Sanjay leela bhansali and see what he comes up with? https://t.co/RmgJlWuWLj
— Abeeha (@BoriatN) February 19, 2023
This project would definitely be a blockbuster hit if it were to be directed in Pakistan.
