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Indian director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his grandiose storytelling and larger than life sets, finally realised a dream of 20 years with the release of his Netflix series, Heeramandi. The series, that was initially conceptualised as a film, saw its fair share of casting considerations over the years, including Pakistani stars Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan and Imran Abbas.

During the premiere of his series in Los Angeles, a video of which is now circulating online, Bhansali walked YouTuber Lilly Singh through the evolution of the series — “This was 18 years ago, so at one point, it was Rekha ji, Kareena [Kapoor Khan] and Rani Mukerji. Then it changed into another cast, then it changed into another cast.”

He then surprised everyone with the revelation that Pakistani actors were also considered for Heeramandi. “At one point, it was also Mahira Khan, the Pakistani actor, then Fawad Khan and Imran Abbas. But then it all changed.”

The transformation of Heeramandi from a cinematic film to a Netflix series understandably altered its casting dynamics. Because let’s be honest, actors acquainted with a certain medium — be it film, TV or OTT — can’t be expected to perform equally well in other mediums.

Bhansali expressed satisfaction with the final cast of his series, who dedicated approximately 350 days to the project. “Popular actors” might not have managed such a commitment, he noted.

Abbas had previously said on ARY Digital’s Shaan-e-Suhoor, “I had not said no to Heeramandi but it got shelved.”

With Heeramandi, which debuted on Netflix today, Bhansali aims to explore the lives of courtesans in the pre-independence era, set against the rich cultural backdrop of Lahore. It promises to be ripe with drama, intrigue, and the emotional depth that Bhansali films are known for.