Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar has been streaming on Netflix since May 1 this year. From the time the first promo was launched, the series has captivated global audiences with its grand sets and royal visuals.
After its release on the OTT platform, Heeramandi has gathered mixed reviews for its storyline and performances. However, the spotlight has also been on the finances. Viewers are particularly intrigued to know the hefty sums paid to the creator and star-studded cast.
Set in Lahore during the pre-independence era, Heeramandi delves into the lives of courtesans. It explores the themes of love and betrayal while highlighting the freedom struggle. The cast features Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Manisha Koirala, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal, and Sanjeeda Shaikh. The male cast includes notable names like Fardeen Khan, Taha Shah Badussha, Shekhar Suman, and Adhyayan Suman.
How much did Sanjay Leela Bhansali charge for directing Heeramandi?
Based on a 2022 article from Bollywood Hungama, the production budget for Heeramandi is as grand as the series itself. It was set at approximately $25 million, marking it as one of the most expensive Netflix productions in India. According to the same report, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has also been compensated with $8.5 million for his directorial efforts on Heeramandi.
This figure not only highlights Bhansali’s status as a top-tier filmmaker but also showcases Netflix’s significant investment in the project. The series has been lauded for its historical authenticity, luxurious costumes, and grand musical performances, all hallmarks of Bhansali’s directorial approach.
This disclosure places Bhansali among the highest-paid directors in the streaming realm. Heeramandi perfectly demonstrated the director’s well-known flair for extravagant production design and meticulous attention to detail. His previous works, such as Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat, are proof that the director loves presenting the interplay of grandeur and royalty. Bhansali brought his signature style to Heeramandi as well and transformed it into a story of epic proportions.
