<p>Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Saturday said his OTT debut series <em>Heeramandi</em>, which revolves around the life of courtesans, is a tribute to Indian cinema classics <em>Mughal-E-Azam</em> and <em>Pakeezah</em>.</p>.<p>The filmmaker said in the upcoming Netflix series he has tried to capture the nuances which were highlighted in <em>Mughal-E-Azam</em>, directed by K Asif, and Kamal Amrohi's <em>Pakeezah</em>. In both the films, the leading ladies Madhubala and Meena Kumari played the role of courtesans.</p>.<p>"<em>Heeramandi</em> has nuances which you feel are found in the great Kamal Amrohi's <em>Pakeezah</em>. <em>Heeramandi</em> is my tribute to the great <em>Mughal-e-Azam</em>, <em>Pakeezah</em> and Mehboob Khan sahab's <em>Mother India</em>," Bhansali said here at an in conversation session with Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos.</p>.<p>The 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.</p>.<p>"They told beautiful women stories. They understood that she is the creator of man, therefore she needs to be given a place in literature, cinema and art. They always told stories of women, they were not necessarily telling stories of men.</p>.<p>"So if there is a Bajirao, there is also Mastani for me. If there was no Padmavati who would hold the fort, fight and go into fire, I wouldn't have made that film," he said.</p>.<p>The director further said his filmography is filled with strong women characters -- from Annie in <em>Khamoshi</em>: <em>The Musical</em>, to Nandini in <em>Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam</em> and Michelle in <em>Black</em>.</p>.<p>Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Indian freedom struggle of the 1940s, "Heeramandi" explores the cultural reality of a dazzling district, through the stories of courtesans and their patrons.</p>.<p>The show features Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal and Sanjeeda Sheikh.</p>.<p>Bhansali believes there is no such thing as "perfect cast" for him and he follows his instincts.</p>.<p>"They are not perfect for the characters. And because they are not perfect, it was so exciting to find and discover how they are going to interpret the role. So, I like to discover a 'perfect cast' as I tell the story. I have cast these women because I always wanted to work with them and they are wonderful talent. They can do anything," he added.</p>.<p>Sarandos, who along with Bhansali unveiled the first look of <em>Heeramandi</em>, praised the Indian filmmaker for his ability to find a balance between "style, drama and substance".</p>.<p>"When I think of your career... about 'Silence' (<em>Khamoshi</em>), <em>Black</em>, <em>Gangubai Kathiawadi</em>, and now <em>Heeramandi</em>, they 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.</p>.<p>"The images that you put on screen and the way they 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 the little moments of emotion. It is a beautiful art form," the executive said.</p>.<p>He added that excitement around the show is "thrilling" and they are looking forward to introduce the global audience to the world of <em>Heeramandi</em>.</p>.<p>At the event, hosted by Mini Mathur, Bhansali was asked about being called a taskmaster by one of his leading ladies Hydari and the director said it is more of an image created by the media.</p>.<p>"There is no taskmaster... The media has built the image and these people go and spread it to the world that I am tough to work with and temperamental, but no. They call me a taskmaster because I will not let them go till we find that 'moment'."</p>.<p>A filmmaker is always insecure, said Bhansali, adding that it is the uncertainty of the profession which drives him to do his best and work harder.</p>.<p>"I always think, 'Will I get it right?'. Like, I got <em>Gangubai Kathiawadi</em> right but will I get <em>Heeramandi</em> right?' So I worked harder. I want to keep giving my best to the audience, who I love immensely, till the day they tell me to shut up," he added.</p>.<p>The show will soon premiere on Netflix.</p>
<p>Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Saturday said his OTT debut series <em>Heeramandi</em>, which revolves around the life of courtesans, is a tribute to Indian cinema classics <em>Mughal-E-Azam</em> and <em>Pakeezah</em>.</p>.<p>The filmmaker said in the upcoming Netflix series he has tried to capture the nuances which were highlighted in <em>Mughal-E-Azam</em>, directed by K Asif, and Kamal Amrohi's <em>Pakeezah</em>. In both the films, the leading ladies Madhubala and Meena Kumari played the role of courtesans.</p>.<p>"<em>Heeramandi</em> has nuances which you feel are found in the great Kamal Amrohi's <em>Pakeezah</em>. <em>Heeramandi</em> is my tribute to the great <em>Mughal-e-Azam</em>, <em>Pakeezah</em> and Mehboob Khan sahab's <em>Mother India</em>," Bhansali said here at an in conversation session with Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos.</p>.<p>The 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.</p>.<p>"They told beautiful women stories. They understood that she is the creator of man, therefore she needs to be given a place in literature, cinema and art. They always told stories of women, they were not necessarily telling stories of men.</p>.<p>"So if there is a Bajirao, there is also Mastani for me. If there was no Padmavati who would hold the fort, fight and go into fire, I wouldn't have made that film," he said.</p>.<p>The director further said his filmography is filled with strong women characters -- from Annie in <em>Khamoshi</em>: <em>The Musical</em>, to Nandini in <em>Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam</em> and Michelle in <em>Black</em>.</p>.<p>Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Indian freedom struggle of the 1940s, "Heeramandi" explores the cultural reality of a dazzling district, through the stories of courtesans and their patrons.</p>.<p>The show features Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal and Sanjeeda Sheikh.</p>.<p>Bhansali believes there is no such thing as "perfect cast" for him and he follows his instincts.</p>.<p>"They are not perfect for the characters. And because they are not perfect, it was so exciting to find and discover how they are going to interpret the role. So, I like to discover a 'perfect cast' as I tell the story. I have cast these women because I always wanted to work with them and they are wonderful talent. They can do anything," he added.</p>.<p>Sarandos, who along with Bhansali unveiled the first look of <em>Heeramandi</em>, praised the Indian filmmaker for his ability to find a balance between "style, drama and substance".</p>.<p>"When I think of your career... about 'Silence' (<em>Khamoshi</em>), <em>Black</em>, <em>Gangubai Kathiawadi</em>, and now <em>Heeramandi</em>, they 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.</p>.<p>"The images that you put on screen and the way they 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 the little moments of emotion. It is a beautiful art form," the executive said.</p>.<p>He added that excitement around the show is "thrilling" and they are looking forward to introduce the global audience to the world of <em>Heeramandi</em>.</p>.<p>At the event, hosted by Mini Mathur, Bhansali was asked about being called a taskmaster by one of his leading ladies Hydari and the director said it is more of an image created by the media.</p>.<p>"There is no taskmaster... The media has built the image and these people go and spread it to the world that I am tough to work with and temperamental, but no. They call me a taskmaster because I will not let them go till we find that 'moment'."</p>.<p>A filmmaker is always insecure, said Bhansali, adding that it is the uncertainty of the profession which drives him to do his best and work harder.</p>.<p>"I always think, 'Will I get it right?'. Like, I got <em>Gangubai Kathiawadi</em> right but will I get <em>Heeramandi</em> right?' So I worked harder. I want to keep giving my best to the audience, who I love immensely, till the day they tell me to shut up," he added.</p>.<p>The show will soon premiere on Netflix.</p>