Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-anticipated series, 'Heeramandi,' is set to make its debut today, May 1, on Netflix. The series boasts a star-studded cast including Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Manisha Koirala in the lead roles. However, in a recent interview, Bhansali disclosed that these actors were not his initial choices for the project. He revealed his original preferences were Rekha and Kareena Kapoor, with Mahira Khan also under consideration. Furthermore, Bhansali admitted that 'Heeramandi' was initially conceived as a film.

"Rekha, Kareena and Rani were my first choices for Heeramandi." - Sanjay Leela Bhansali
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The renowned director made these revelations during the series premiere in Los Angeles. In a video circulating on Reddit, Bhansali responded to a question about whether the current cast were his first choices. He disclosed that the project was conceptualized 18 years ago as a movie starring Rekha, Kareena Kapoor, and Rani Mukerji. However, the cast underwent several changes over the years, with Mahira Khan, Imran Abbas, and Fawad Khan also considered at one point.

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'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar' now features an ensemble cast including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Sehgal, and Sanjeeda Sheikh portraying tawaifs. Additionally, Fardeen Khan, Taha Shah Badussha, Shekhar Suman, and Adhyayan Suman play the roles of the Nawabs.

The series' trailer, released last month, transported audiences to a bygone era when courtesans held significant influence. Set against the backdrop of the Indian Independence struggle in the 1940s, 'Heeramandi' explores the cultural dynamics of the eponymous area.

Netflix India organized a grand premiere last month, attended by luminaries such as Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Rekha, and Genelia Deshmukh, among others. Genelia was one of the first to share her review of 'Heeramandi' on her Instagram Stories, expressing her admiration for Bhansali's storytelling and praising the cast and crew for their exceptional efforts.

'Just saw 2 episodes of Heeramandi and it has me craving for more. What a world, what a journey you take us through Sanjay Sir. Mesmerized as always. Loved, loved, loved the entire cast and what a super effort by the crew too. Netflix, this is truly special,' she wrote.