Netflix has officially renewed Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s grand debut series, “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,” for a second season, following its remarkable success.
Season 1’s Outstanding Achievement
Since its release on May 1, “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar” quickly climbed to the top of Netflix’s global non-English TV chart, becoming the most-watched Indian series on the platform worldwide. The series has maintained its number one spot on Netflix India’s Top 10 chart since its debut.
Historical Setting and Plot
The first season is set between 1920 and 1947, during the partition of India and Pakistan. The narrative is centered in Lahore’s Heeramandi district, depicting the lives of tawaifs, who were skilled in music and dance and courted by nobility. Central to the story are Mallikajaan (Manisha Koirala), the shrewd queen of Heeramandi, and her ambitious niece Fareedan (Sonakshi Sinha), who aims to take over her aunt’s position.
Production Highlights
Season 1 was a significant endeavor, with 350 shooting days spread over three years. Bhansali has been dedicated to this project without a break since his last film, “Gangubai Kathiawadi,” released in February 2022. The director emphasized the immense responsibility in bringing the series to life.
Anticipations for Season 2
In the upcoming season, the storyline shifts as the women of Heeramandi move from Lahore to the film industries of Mumbai and Kolkata after the partition. Bhansali explained, “The journey in the bazaar remains the same. They still have to dance and sing, but this time for producers, not for nawabs.”
Announcement and Reception
The announcement of Season 2 was made during an event on Carter Road, Mumbai, featuring a flash mob of 100 dancers in vibrant anarkalis and ghungroos, performing to a medley of songs from the series. The performance concluded with the reveal of the renewal.
Monika Shergill, VP of content at Netflix India, shared her excitement: “Sanjay Leela Bhansali has intricately woven magic to bring ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ to life. Watching audiences everywhere fall in love with this series and make it a cultural phenomenon has been incredibly energizing. I am thrilled to announce that we will be back with Season 2.”
