Sanjay Leela Bhansali says Heeramandi is a tribute to Mughal-e-Azam and Pakeezah

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Saturday said his OTT debut series Heeramandi, which revolves around life of courtesans, is a tribute to Indian cinema classics Mughal-E-Azam and Pakeezah.

filmmaker said in upcoming Netflix series he has tried to capture nuances which were highlighted in Mughal-E-Azam, directed by K Asif, and Kamal Amrohi's Pakeezah. In both films, leading ladies Madhubala and Meena Kumari played role of courtesans.

"Heeramandi has nuances which you feel are found in great Kamal Amrohi's Pakeezah. Heeramandi is my tribute to great Mughal-e-Azam, Pakeezah and Mehboob Khan sahab's Mor India," Bhansali said here at an in conversation session with Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos.

ace filmmaker said iconic Indian directors Raj Kapoor, Yash Chopra, Mehboob Khan, Bimal Roy, Guru Dutt and V Shantaram have inspired him to weave stories around women. 

"y told beautiful women stories. y understood that she is creator of man, refore she needs to be given a place in literature, cinema and art. y always told stories of women, y were t necessarily telling stories of men. 

"So if re is a Bajirao, re is also Mastani for me. If re was Padmavati who would hold fort, fight and go into fire, I wouldn't have made that film," he said. 

director furr said his filmography is filled with strong women characters -- from Annie in Khamoshi: Musical, to Nandini in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Michelle in Black. 

Set against tumultuous backdrop of Indian freedom struggle of 1940s, Heeramandi explores cultural reality of a dazzling district, through stories of courtesans and ir patrons.

show features Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal and Sanjeeda Sheikh.

Bhansali believes re is such thing as "perfect cast" for him and he follows his instincts. 

"y are t perfect for characters. And because y are t perfect, it was so exciting to find and discover how y are going to interpret role. So, I like to discover a 'perfect cast' as I tell story. I have cast se women because I always wanted to work with m and y are wonderful talent. y can do anything," he added. 

Sarandos, who along with Bhansali unveiled first look of Heeramandi, praised Indian filmmaker for his ability to find a balance between "style, drama and substance".

"When I think of your career... about Silence (Khamoshi), Black, Gangubai Kathiawadi, and w Heeramandi, y are all widely different worlds that you are building. Your ability to find that right balance between style, drama and substance and how you move a story is unique. 

" ims that you put on screen and way y move you emotionally, sometimes it is a tiny dance step and sometimes it is in line of dialogue, it is subtle and unbelievably impactful. You seem to invest a lot in little moments of emotion. It is a beautiful art form," executive said. 

He added that excitement around show is "thrilling" and y are looking forward to introduce global audience to world of Heeramandi.

At event, hosted by Mini Mathur, Bhansali was asked about being called a taskmaster by one of his leading ladies Hydari and director said it is more of an im created by media.

"re is taskmaster... media has built im and se people go and spread it to world that I am tough to work with and temperamental, but . y call me a taskmaster because I will t let m go till we find that 'moment'."

A filmmaker is always insecure, said Bhansali, adding that it is uncertainty of profession which drives him to do his best and work harder.

"I always think, 'Will I get it right?'. Like, I got Gangubai Kathiawadi right but will I get 'Heeramandi' right?' So I worked harder. I want to keep giving my best to audience, who I love immensely, till day y tell me to shut up," he added. 

show will soon premiere on Netflix.