Heeramandi: A place where women ruled

Minal Upadhyay — Tue, 14 May 2024 11:35:12 +0000

A place with no judgments over what she wears, her work, and no bann over her rebellious thoughts! Huh, is that even possible? Well if it’s the Bhansali’s world- then absolutely! Be it Chandramuki from Devdas, Gangu from Gangubai Kathiawadi, or the recent release of – Heeramandi, he never fails to show his love and obsession over tawaif (courtesan) falling in love and then failing badly.

Showcasing the life of tawaif back then in the pre-colonial period, Bhansali tried giving the series a tint of love, poetry, and revenge. One thing that made the audience’s eye throughout the series is giving the same heroic attitude besides having feminine energy in each of their characters.

In the era when women were always looked down upon, Bhansali tried bringing forth the importance of tawaif in Nawab’s life. Then the heavy accessories paired with colorful vibrant clothes made the situation even more relevant to those times. More importantly, the series tried reshaping the idea of a fancy brothel that each one of us generally has, here heeramandi isn’t just limited to fancy courtesan, dance, and romance but is showcased as a melting pot of arts and culture but also a place where the elite went to learn etiquettes. These spaces served as a school for polishing nawab behavior, and Bhansali’s Heeramandi captures these women’s social reality and emotional turmoil. And how prostitution is a part of each of our heritage.

Apart from showcasing art and culture, the series also parallelly showed the actual nature of Heeramandi- ‘REVENGE’. The main protagonist Mallika Jaan (Manisha Koirala) the “aapa” of Shahi Mahal, how manages to kill her elder sister to own the Shahi Mahal, and also sells her niece. The story revolves around how her niece comes back to Heermandi with the only intention of taking back her Shahi Mahal. And tries taking not only the mahal but also the only way of royal living for tawaifs – The Nawabs.

While the series had its share of hits and misses compared to other Bhansali productions, it’s undeniable that it showcased powerful female characters unlike any other. In a Bollywood landscape where female-centric films are not uncommon, this series stands out for its portrayal of women’s strength, leaving the Britishers feeling insecure about the power they wield.

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10 Unmissable Web Series Coming Soon…

First Creative — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 22:04:57 +0000

Here are 10 web series that you should look forward to…

1. Heeramandi (SonyLIV):

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s highly anticipated period drama set in the vibrant and intricate world of a courtesan’s house in pre-Independence India.

2. Mirzapur 3 (Amazon Prime Video):

The highly anticipated third season of the crime saga guarantees an intensified level of brutality, conflicts for dominance, and unexpected turns in the urban landscape of Mirzapur.

3. Aspirants Season 3 (TVFPlay):

Witness the triumphant return of the critically acclaimed TV show, Aspirants Season 3, on TVFPlay. Immerse yourself in the captivating journey of IAS aspirants as they navigate through their aspirations, overcome challenges, and forge meaningful relationships. Get ready to be inspired and enthralled by the compelling narratives that unfold in this new season.

4. Paatal Lok Season 2 (Prime Video):

Get ready for the highly anticipated release of Paatal Lok Season 2 on Prime Video in 2024. Make sure to save the date, prepare some popcorn, and brace yourself to dive back into the captivating and intense world of Paatal Lok!

5. Rocket Boys Season 3 (SonyLIV):

The inspiring journey of Indian scientists Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and Dr. Homi Bhabha continues in this biographical drama. The journey of Vikram Sarabhai (Ishwak Singh) and Homi J. Bhabha (Jim Sarbh) continues, pushing the boundaries of India’s space and nuclear programs. The duo’s unwavering dedication and constant challenges will likely be central themes.

6. Indian Police Force (Disney+Hotstar):

Rohit Shetty’s cop thriller series starring Sidharth Malhotra, Shilpa Shetty, and Vivek Oberoi promises high-octane action and drama. Indian Police Force has the potential to be a game-changer for Indian web series. With its high production value, talented cast, and action-packed story, it’s sure to be a hit with audiences worldwide.

7. Delhi Crime Season 3 (Netflix):

The highly acclaimed crime series that takes inspiration from real-life cases. Stay tuned for more updates on the return of Delhi Crime Season 3, exclusively on Netflix.

8. Taj: Divided by Blood (Zee5):

A historical drama set against the backdrop of the Mughal Empire, exploring the power struggles and rivalries between brothers. Unveil the opulent courtly drama, “Taj: Divided by Blood” on Zee5! Immerse yourself in the Mughal era’s grandeur and power struggles, as brothers fight for the throne, amidst breathtaking sets and captivating performances.

9. Khufiya (Disney+Hotstar):

A spy thriller featuring Ali Fazal in an action-packed story about espionage and national security. Unmask the secrets in “Khufiya” on Disney+Hotstar. Vishal Bhardwaj’s spy thriller plunges Tabu’s Krishna, a covert R&AW agent, into a vortex of betrayal and revenge. Love and duty collide as she hunts a mole, navigating the shadows of a thrilling espionage saga.

10. Berlin (Netflix):

Unfortunately, “Berlin” hasn’t been officially announced for a new season on Netflix. focusing on the character’s past adventures, set to premiere on December 29, 2023.

There are numerous captivating Hindi web series lined up for release in the coming months. Stay tuned to streaming platforms and entertainment news to catch all the latest updates!