Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is a period drama series directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Netflix, and starring some major faces of Indian cinema. The show takes place in the red-light district of Lahore during pre-independence India and centers on the lives of courtesans, exploring the power dynamics, emotional struggles and political turmoil they face in a rapidly changing world. Bhansali is known for his great visual storytelling, and Heeramandi is no exception, blending intricate narratives with stunning set designs.
Every character in Heeramandi Plays a special role in the development of the narrative. Mallikajaan, the matriarch, exercises control over the courtesans and serves as a central figure in the power dynamics of the series. Younger characters like Alamzeb represent the next generation, navigating the changing landscape of their world. The show’s themes focus on the intersection of power, ambition and personal struggles in a historical setting. The cast includes actors known for their work in Indian cinema, with their performances contributing to the depth of the character-driven plot.
Actor |
Character |
---|---|
Mansha Koirala |
Malikajan |
Sonashi Sinha |
Feredan |
Aditi Rao Hydari |
Bibbojan |
Richa Hada |
Lajjo |
Sanjeeda Sheikh |
Wahida |
Charmin Segal |
Alamzeb |
Manisha Koirala as Malikajaan
Date of birth: August 16, 1970
actor: Manisha Koirala is an acclaimed actress with a remarkable career spanning over three decades. Born into a politically prominent family in Nepal, Koirala made her Bollywood debut in Saudagar And quickly established herself as one of the leading actresses of the 1990s with films like Bombay And Dil Se. A cancer survivor, Koirala has also symbolized resilience and strength in her personal life.
Notable movies and TV shows:
Title |
Role |
---|---|
Saudagar (1991) |
Radha |
Bombay (1995) |
Shaila Banu |
Dil Se (1998) |
Moina |
1942: A love story (1994) |
Rajeshwari Pathak |
Dear Maya (2017) |
May Day |
Related
character: in HeeramandiKoirala portrays Mallikajan, the fierce and calculating matriarch of the courtesans. Mallikajaan has a significant influence on the lives of women in Heeramandi, using her strategic mind and ruthless nature to navigate the treacherous power dynamics in the bazaar.
Sonakshi Sinha as Fareedan
Date of birth: June 2, 1987
actor: Sonakshi Sinha, daughter of Bollywood legend Shatrughan Sinha, has become a well-known name in Indian cinema. She made her debut with DabangOne of the highest-grossing Bollywood films, and has since proven her versatility with roles in critically acclaimed films like Lootera. Known for her ability to seamlessly transition between action-packed roles and more emotionally driven performances, Sinha has carved a unique space for herself in the industry.
Notable movies and TV shows:
Title |
Role |
---|---|
Dabang (2010) |
Rajjo |
Lootera (2013) |
Pachi |
Akira (2016) |
Akira Sharma |
Guilty Rathore (2012) |
Paro |
Mission Mangal (2019) |
Eka Gandhi |
character: in HeeramandiSonakshi Sinha portrays Fareedan, a courtesan whose ambition and desire for power make her a key rival to Mallikajaan. Fareedan’s quest for revenge stems from past betrayal, and her calculated moves throughout the series lead to political maneuvering and manipulation in the bazaar. Her rivalry with Mallikajan escalates when Fareedan aligns with external forces, furthering her own interests while destabilizing Mallikajan’s control.
Aditi Rao Hydari as Bibbojaan
Date of birth: October 28, 1986
actor: Known for her regal grace and stunning screen presence, Aditi Rao Hydari hails from a royal background with roots in both the Hydari and Akbar families. Hydari made her acting debut in Prajapathi But gained widespread recognition with Yes Sally Zindagi. Her breakthrough role in Padmaavat As Mehrunisa, Alauddin Khilji’s wife, further cemented her position as one of Bollywood’s most promising actresses.
Notable movies and TV shows:
Title |
Role |
---|---|
Yes Sally Zindagi (2011) |
Shanti |
Wazir (2016) |
Ruhana Ali |
Padmaavat (2018) |
Mehrunisa |
The girl on the train (2021) |
Nusrat John |
Sufium Sujatayum (2020) |
Sujata |
Related
character: in HeeramandiHydari portrays Bibbojaan, a courtesan who becomes involved in India’s independence movement, representing the complex intersection of personal relationships and national politics. Bibbojans’ character struggles with her romantic involvement, which conflicts with her growing awareness of the political upheaval around her.
Richa Chadha as Lajo
Date of birth: December 18, 1986
actor: Richa Chadha received wide acclaim with her breakout role in Gangs of Wasseypur. Known for taking on unconventional roles, Chadha has built a reputation as one of India’s most talented actresses. Her notable performances in films like Masaan And Fukray. Highlight your ability to paint emotionally charged characters.
Notable movies and TV shows:
Title |
Role |
---|---|
Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) |
Naghma Khatoon |
Masaan (2015) |
Devi Pathak |
Fukrey (2013) |
Bholi Punjab |
Sarbjit (2016) |
Sukhfriet Kaur |
Section 375 (2019) |
Hiral Gandhi |
character: in HeeramandiRicha Chadha portrays Lajjo, a courtesan with addiction and the emotional scars of her past. Lajjo’s tragic backstory unfolds as she navigates the harsh realities of the bazaar, where survival depends on her ability to maintain relationships despite her personal struggles. As a woman burdened by loss and addiction, Lajjo’s attempts to break free from this cycle bring her into conflict with the power structures that dominate Heeramandi.
Sanjeeda Sheikh as Waheeda
Date of birth: December 20, 1984
actor: Sanjeeda Sheikh is a prominent Indian television actress best known for her roles in popular shows like Kyaa Hoga Nimmo Ka And EC Hasina T. Her versatile acting skills have earned her praise for portraying both light-hearted and intense characters. Shik’s image of Durga Thakur in EC Hasina T was particularly praised for its emotional depth and complexity. Moreover, she has demonstrated her talent in dance reality shows like Still Baliye And Yes, yes.
Notable movies and TV shows:
Title |
Role |
---|---|
Kyaa Hoga Nimmo Ka (2006) |
Nemo |
EC Hasina T (2014) |
Durga Thakur |
Panch (2010) |
Nandini |
Bagban (2003) |
Daughter of God |
Taish (2020) |
John |
character: in HeeramandiSanjeeda Sheikh portrays Waheeda, a courtesan once renowned for her beauty, which was her most valuable asset. However, as her physical and emotional scars accumulate, Waheeda’s former allure fades, leaving her grappling with a loss of identity and status. Throughout the series, Waheeda embarks on a journey of self-reclamation, seeking redemption and a new sense of purpose beyond her beauty.
Charmin SGL Alm Almzeb
Date of birth: March 28, 1995
actor: Sharmeen Segal, the niece of famous filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, made her acting debut with Mallel. Despite her family ties, Segal quickly impressed the audience with her own talent and screen presence. Her performance in Mallel Was praised for its emotional depth, allowing her to step out of her uncle’s shadow and establish her own identity in the film industry.
Notable movies and TV shows:
Title |
Role |
---|---|
Mallel (2019) |
Astha Tripathi |
Heeramandi (2024) |
Alamzeb “Elam” |
character: in HeeramandiCharmaine Segal portrays Alamzeb, the youngest courtesan in the bazaar, who wants to escape the life she was born into. Unlike the older courtesans, Almzeb dreams of becoming a poet, using her love of words and creativity as a means of breaking free from the limitations of her environment. Her character embodies youthful hope and ambition, contrasting the more hardened and experienced courtesans around her.
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar Support cast & characters
Taha Shah Badusha as Tajdar: Tha Shah Badusha plays Tagdar Baloch, a noble in love with Alamzab. Badussha has appeared in films like Love is the end And Bar Bar Bar Dakhto and is known for his role as Murad in the web series Taj: Divided by blood.
Farida Jalal as Qudsya: Farida Jalal portrays Kudsia Begum, the matriarch of the Baloch family. A veteran actress with over 200 films, she is best known for her roles in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam And Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
Fardeen Khan as Wally: Farden Khan plays Wali Bin Said, Bibbojan’s patron. Known for films like Prem Aggan And No entryKhan returns to acting after a 14-year break with Heeramandi.
Adhayan Suman as Zoravar: Adhyayan Suman plays Zoravar Ali Khan, Malikajaan’s son and Lajjo’s patron. Suman gained attention for his role in Raaz: The mystery continues And continues to build his career with dramatic roles.
Shekhar Suman as Khan: Shekhar Suman plays Khan Bahadur Zulfikar Ahmed, a powerful patron in Heeramandi. Suman is known for his work in Saat Phero Ki Hera Pherie And Dr. Arora.
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is an upcoming Indian period drama television series directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Set in pre-independence India, the series revolves around the courtesans of Heeramandi, a notorious red-light district in Lahore, exploring their lives, struggles and relationships against the backdrop of the Indian freedom struggle.
- Figure
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Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sharmin Segal, Sanjeeda Sheikh
- Release date
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May 1, 2024
- Seasons
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1