Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s acclaimed series, “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,” is set to return for a second season on Netflix. The announcement comes after the first season garnered a huge attention and success, making it the most-watched Indian series on the platform within its first week. Released on May 1, “Heeramandi” quickly climbed to the top of Netflix’s worldwide non-English TV charts in 43 countries, captivating audiences with its rich storytelling and stunning visuals.
A Global Success Series
Set against the historical backdrop of the Heeramandi district in Lahore during the British rule of India from 1920 to 1947, “Heeramandi” delves into the lives of tawaifs similar to Japan’s geishas, who were highly skilled in music and dance and often courted by nobility. The series centers on Mallikajaan (played by Manisha Koirala), the cunning ruler of Heeramandi and her ambitious niece Fareedan (Sonakshi Sinha), who aspires to take over her aunt’s place.
The ensemble cast also includes Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sharmin Segal, Fardeen Khan, Shekhar Suman, and Taha Shah Badussha, each contributing to the series rich tapestry of characters.
SLB’s Dedication
Sanjay Leela Bhansali expressed his excitement about the series renewal, highlighting the immense effort it took to bring the series to life.
“It takes a lot to make a series. This one has taken a lot. After ‘Gangubai’ released in February 2022, from that to now every single day I have worked without a break. So the responsibility is huge on the series,” Bhansali told Variety.
Initially, he doubted the possibility of a second season stating,
“Web series like this can happen only once, nobody can make it again, not even me.” However, the show’s success has led him to change his mind, confirming that season 2 is in the works.
Season 2 of “Heeramandi” promises a fascinating new chapter as the story progresses to the aftermath of the Partition of India. Bhansali revealed that the women of Heeramandi will transition from Lahore to the burgeoning film industries in Mumbai and Kolkata. In Heeramandi 2, the women now come from Lahore to the film world. They leave Lahore after the partition and most of them settle in the Mumbai film industry or Kolkata film industry. So that journey in the bazaar remains the same. They still have to dance and sing but this time for the producers and not for the nawabs,” Bhansali explained.
While the first season received mixed reviews with praise for its beautiful sets and costumes but criticism for some performances. Monika Shergill the Vice President Content at Netflix India, expressed her enthusiasm for the series’ renewal:
“Sanjay Leela Bhansali has intricately woven magic to bring ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ to life. Watching audiences everywhere fall in love with this series , making it truly their own as a cultural phenomenon , has been hugely energizing and it thrills me to share that we will be back with Season 2.”
The announcement of the second season was celebrated with a grand event at Carter Road in Mumbai, featuring a flash mob of 100 dancers adorned in sparkling anarkalis and ghungroos, performing to the series songs. This spectacular display shared by Netflix on June 3, confirmed the return of “Heeramandi” and set the stage for another season of captivating storytelling and visual splendor. Fans can eagerly anticipate the continuation of this enthralling saga, as the women of Heeramandi navigate their new lives in the film industry.
Sources: Netflix , The Statesman
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