Heeramandi:The forgotten saga of Lust and betrayal

Image Source: IMDb

Sanjay Leela Bhansali newly released series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazar revolves around Tawaifs in pre-colonial era, specifically Lahore. Starring Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Fardeen Khan, Taha Shah Badussha, Shekhar Suman and Adhyayan Suman.

Mallikajaan’s Reign

As Huzoor, Mallikajaan played by Manisha Koirala exudes haughtiness that combines disdain, cruelty, and longing. The so-called queen of Sahi Mahal at Heeramandi reigns over her courtesans, but rebellion grows in the heart for the power and position among them. Fareedan (Sonakshi Singha) is back after years to revenge and disclose the long-kept secrets of Mallikajaan hidden behind the walls of Sahi Mahal. She is determined to reclaim back everything from Mallikajaan.  The story beautifully depicts the era where women ruled. we see tawaifs pleasing the Nawabs with their song dance and love making, there’s much more beyond this.

Tawaifs

The series offers glimpses into the harsh realities of these lives, with actors conveying pain despite the heavy lines, the series truly comes to life. Bibbojaan ( Aditi Rao Hydari), the lead dancer of Shahi Mahal disguises herself as the member of Revolutionaries. The story reflects on the struggle of courtesan depicting their role in fighting for the Independence.

Richa Chadha adds flair to her part, the actress is shown as a portraying a delusional   and drunk character that reflects the loneliness and depression associated with her life. 

The actors playing supporting roles, like the serving women Satto-Phatto and Saima, the talented low-born singer, are excellent, as are many in the supporting cast as freedom fighters.

It leans heavily on nostalgia for the vanished Muslim social aesthetic seen in classics like ‘Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam‘, ‘Pakeezah‘, and ‘Umrao Jaan‘,

The series further depicts the young love between the reluctant courtesan Alamzeb and Tajdar, the spoiled prince turning into revolutionary. What will he choose love or nation?

Image Source: Comingsoon.net

Will the British Raj bring it to an end?  The British officers, depicted as brutal stereotypes, also feel heavy-handed. When the older women reveal their hard-earned wisdom and sensuality, the show truly captivates.

Will this situation compell Malikajaan and Fareedan to come together for their survival??? How will they confront all the challenges? With the downfall of Heeramandi, will the culture of tawaif come to an end? The series provides answer to all the question. It’s a lesser-known story of tawaifs turning into martyrs and fighting for freedom. Click here to read more about this series.

Click here to watch full series of Heeramandi .

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