Netflix CEO reveals Sanjay Leela Bhansali pitched Heeramandi expecting rejection, 'I dare you to make this…'

In 2024, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's decision to venture into streaming with "Heeramandi" marked a significant shift, instantly capturing attention. Renowned for his cinematic extravagance, Bhansali's foray into series creation was unprecedented. His pitch to Netflix wasn't merely a presentation; it was a daring leap into a new creative realm, promising a fresh narrative approach.

Ted Sarandos, Netflix's CEO, played a direct role in the project's approval, recounting Bhansali's compelling presentation of his vision. “Heeramandi was probably one of the most creatively interesting projects I’ve worked on in India. I was involved in the greenlighting meetings for it. He (Sanjay Leela Bhansali) came to LA to do the pitch. He came in with this very big vision. Honestly, it almost felt like a dare—like he was saying, ‘I dare you to make this; it’s so big. He’s a legend of cinema, so the idea of him making a TV Show was unheard of. I thought he came for us to say no. And then, when we said yes, there were lots of delays. It was a complicated production."

Heeramandi, initially announced in 2021, culminated in its May 2024 premiere after nearly three years of production. Bhansali remained committed to his signature style, opting for expansive, tangible sets over digital effects, thereby infusing traditional cinematic artistry into the contemporary streaming landscape.

“He built these enormous, practical sets that we shot on. There was something beautifully old-fashioned about every element of the production. And he was so proud of it. I was so proud of him. To me, Heeramandi is a true reflection of India’s deep, enduring love for cinema," Sarandos said during his chat on the WTF podcast hosted by Nikhil Kamath.

"Heeramandi" unfolds in pre-Partition Lahore, exploring the fictional narratives of courtesans within the city's red-light district. Bhansali initially conceived the project as a feature film in 2007, contemplating the inclusion of Pakistani talents such as Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, and Imran Abbas. These plans were subsequently abandoned following the informal 2016 ban on Pakistani artists in India.

The ensemble cast, embodying Bhansali's grand vision, featured Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sharmin Segal, and Taha Shah Badussha, each contributing to the narrative's richness.