A new Netflix series delves into the stories of courtesans and their patrons set against the backdrop of the Indian freedom struggle of the 1940s. 

A mix of love, betrayal, succession, and politics in the kothas (house of courtesans), Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 'Heeramandi' promises 'larger-than-life stories in a world rife with conflict'. 

The  key characters are played by the all-star cast of Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal, and Sanjeeda Sheikh.

Netflix’s Co-CEO Ted Sarandos, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali came together in Mumbai recently to exchange insights on the expanding world of Indian and global storytelling,.

During the sit down, the two discussed the innovative formats, creative collaborations and the need to nurture creativity.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali said, “Heeramandi has a special place in my heart as it has stayed with me for 14 years. The most compelling aspect of storytelling for me is the opportunity to represent real characters, especially women, and portray their emotions with interesting nuances. 

"The women of Heeramandi are queens in their own right, and my effort with this story is to bring these historic characters to life with a modern approach. Netflix made this possible for us by nurturing and making an artist like me feel at home.”

Sarandos said, "Audiences want stories that help them escape and connect, and Sanjay is an exceptional storyteller who does both. Heeramandi, like all of Sanjay’s stories, is not style over substance but style and substance together. 

"We're thrilled to collaborate with a visionary like Sanjay and bring the world of Heeramandi to a global audience.’