Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s films have always had a soft spot for the enigmatic allure of courtesans and sex workers. From Madhuri Dixit’s graceful poise in Devdas, Alia Bhatt’s powerful portrayal in Gangubai Kathiawadi, and now, the mesmerizing ensemble in Heeramandi. These captivating figures have consistently taken centre stage in Bhansali’s narratives.
In a recent interview with Galatta Plus, the director finally spilt the beans on why he is so enamoured with these characters. “I feel they are women who have a lot of enigma, a lot of mystery. The courtesan, or the tawaif, or the prostitute… they are different. But they always exude a certain kind of power which I find very interesting to look at. They express themselves; their joy and their grief in music and dance. They understand the art of living, the importance of architecture, the use of fabric, and the kind of jewelry they wear. They are connoisseurs of art.”
Bhansali’s fascination runs deep, transcending mere aesthetics. He explained, “Hum log kya hain? Hum log artist log hain. Usko ap samajhgir bolo, bhand bolo… jo chahe bolo. Mere ko to woh chahiye. I have to create something that is very enigmatic. As a child, all those people that would pass by… mein school mein jaata hu toh ye chehre mujhe fascinate karte the. Waha pe jo ration ki line mein jo chaar middle-class housewives khade hain woh mujhe fascinate nahi karti (Who are we? We are artists. Whatever you might call them, I still need them. When I used to go to school, I was fascinated by those faces. Those four middle-class women in the ration line do not interest me).”
Bhansali’s latest venture, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, which premiered on Netflix on May 1, promises to be yet another visually sumptuous dive into the world of courtesans. Featuring a stellar cast including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Richa Chadha, the series explores the dazzling district of Heeramandi through the lens of courtesans and their patrons, set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Indian freedom struggle of the 1940s.
