Renowned Indian filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has recently unveiled some intriguing details about his upcoming project, “Heeramandi.” The director, known for his grand cinematic ventures, disclosed that he initially envisioned the Pakistani stars Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan for pivotal roles in the series.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali reveals he wanted to cast Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan in Heeramandi: ‘It was a film back then’

In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, Bhansali reminisced about the early stages of conceptualizing “Heeramandi” and how his vision has evolved over time. “When I first conceived Heeramandi, it was envisioned as a film. And during those initial discussions, I had Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan in mind for certain characters,” he revealed.

However, as the project progressed and evolved into a series format, Bhansali adapted his casting choices to suit the narrative arc and structure of the story. “With the expansion of the narrative canvas into a series, the dynamics changed, and we explored a wider spectrum of actors to fit the roles,” he explained.

“Heeramandi” is set against the backdrop of the renowned red-light district in Lahore, Pakistan, during the pre-partition era. The series promises to delve into the intricacies of human emotions, relationships, and societal dynamics prevalent in that era, offering a compelling narrative laced with Bhansali’s signature style of storytelling.

While Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan might not be part of the final cast, Bhansali expressed his admiration for their talent and shared his hope to collaborate with them in the future. “Both Mahira and Fawad are exceptionally talented actors, and I have immense respect for their craft. While they may not be part of Heeramandi, I would love to collaborate with them on another project someday,” he remarked.

“Heeramandi” marks Bhansali’s foray into the digital streaming space, underscoring the growing prominence of streaming platforms in the entertainment industry. With its compelling narrative, rich cultural backdrop, and promising ensemble cast, the series has already generated significant anticipation among fans and critics alike.

As fans eagerly await further updates on “Heeramandi,” Bhansali’s revelations about his initial casting choices have only added to the intrigue surrounding the project, leaving audiences eager to witness the cinematic spectacle that he is set to deliver.

The series is slated to premiere exclusively on a leading streaming platform later this year, promising audiences a visual extravaganza coupled with a captivating narrative experience.