'Heeramandi' leaves netizens disappointed due to historical inaccuracies

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's new series Heeramandi lacks historical and social accuracies, claimed the viewers.

It is important to mention here that the much-anticipated period drama based on the pre-partition life of courtesans in Lahore is presently streaming on Netflix. 

The series showcased the contribution made by the Heeramandi's courtesans in the freedom movement from the Britons. 

Now, several social media users raised questions about the research team of the critically acclaimed filmmaker as they pointed out several blunders and unjustified representations of the people of Lahore.

Hamd Nawaz, a Lahore-based doctor from Pakistan, took to X and penned a thread, detailing the flaws in the newly released series.

She wrote, "Just watched Heeramandi. Found everything but heermandi in it. I mean, either you don’t set your story in 1940’s Lahore, or if you do- you don’t set it in Agra’s landscape, Delhi’s Urdu, Lakhnavi dresses and 1840’s vibe. My not-so-sorry Lahori self can’t really let it go."

She added, "Bhansali’s search should’ve definitely gone beyond Bridal Couture walks. The courtesan never had the financial security to even remotely afford these jewels. What are these blouses? Saris? Ghagras? Lehngas? Some Punjabi dress maybe? Na, let’s go Sabyasachi on them."

Hamd shared that Heeramandi was not a "street of glamour, but of "exploitation, slavery and filthy poverty."

Some netizens also found Umera Ahmed's popular 2004 novel Peer-e-Kamil shown in one of the scenes of the series.

Another viewer shared a screenshot in which Fareedan, a character played by Sonakshi Sinha, can be seen reading a newspaper with a date claiming it 2022. 

The series stars Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Manisha Koirala, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal, Sanjeeda Sheikh and Taha Shah Badussha in lead roles.