From 'Devdas' to 'Heeramandi', here's why Sanjay Leela Bhansali has repeatedly told stories of courtesans

Stills from Devdas and Heeramandi

The name Sanjay Leela Bhansali is now equated with grand sets and costumes. The filmmaker known for his larger-than-life filmmaking style has helmed films like 'Padmaavat', 'Devdas', 'Bajirao Mastani', 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' and now 'Heeramandi'. His debut series is set in the pre-independent era of India. Set in Lahore, the film focuses on 'Heeramandi', a place known for its rich courtesan and Nawab culture. The time period is set in the 1920s when the fight against British had entered a rebellious stage.

But this is not the first time that Bhansali has dealt with the subject of courtesans in his film. Previously, 'Devdas' and 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' also had courtesans in central roles. In an old interview with Film Companion, the filmmaker revealed why he centers his projects around courtesans.

"You're sensitive to what you see as a child. How can a person's rate be Rs 20? These were the things that stayed in my mind. But I could not tell them completely. I was finding them through Chandramukh... We are priceless for ourselves; we can't be tagged. We can't be sold for Rs 5 or Rs 20, or Rs 50. It is inhuman," he had said explaining his inclination for stories around courtesans.

In an interview with TIME, Bhansali said that he wanted to reimagine the world of real-life courtesans of the walled city of Lahore, now situated in Pakistan. Bhansali considers them the unsung heroes of India's struggle for independence for the British. "These women were always looked upon as entertainers and seen with their diamond necklaces, but their eyes have a story to tell," he told.

Reflecting on the project's journey, Bhansali spoke at a recent event, "The script for Heeramandi was charming, vast, and epic. The story was too long for a film, and I had the concept 18 years ago, but there were no OTT platforms then. I finally saw an opportunity to do it properly on an OTT platform, where you can develop it and enjoy each character. This story has taken the longest - 18 years of nurturing, cherishing, and living it."

Bhansali continued "Working with Netflix on my first series was a completely different experience. In 30 years of my career, I have never met producers as beautiful as them. They are tough, and relentless, and ask for honest directors to create content with the same passion. It's good karma as a filmmaker to meet such producers, and I'm grateful to them."