Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Heeramandi’ faces backlash over inaccuracies.
Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s recently launched Netflix series, Heeramandi, is set in the renowned red light district of undivided Lahore. However, some viewers are criticizing the project for failing to depict historical details accurately.
Based on the lives of courtesans, the star-studded series faced scrutiny in an online thread started by a viewer from Lahore. Claiming to have visited the actual area extensively, they highlighted inconsistencies in the portrayed period of the 1940s.
Core issues raised included the landscape resembling other cities than Lahore and the absence of defining city landmarks. Dialects like Urdu instead of the prevalent Punjabi language also came under question.
Costumes fit for bridal events were criticized for being unrealistic, given the financial vulnerability of courtesans. Photographic evidence challenging glorified settings was presented.
Musical selections termed “sufiana custard” were argued to misrepresent the era where Punjabi classics dominated. Scenes failing to capture the area’s true exploitation and poverty were flagged.
While creative liberties were acknowledged, a lack of proper research was lamented. Demand grew for sensitively showcasing authentic struggles through voices acquainted with the location’s culture.
While Bhansali is known for lavish productions, Heeramandi is embroiled in a debate about balancing creative vision with historical accuracy when depicting real communities and periods.
