After relentlessly trolling actor Imran Abbas for allegedly being offered a major Bollywood role, the stars have come together to prove him right. At the premiere of Heeramandi: The Heeramandi in Los Angeles, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali confirmed that Imran is indeed a contender, along with two other big Pakistani names.
Bhansali’s transformation from a potential movie starring the biggest names of India and Pakistan to the star actor he is now, according to the Indian Express, has shown that the famous director is also satisfied.
In an interview with Lilly Singh, Bhansali opened up about the long-drawn-out casting process and how intense the Heeramandi process was. “This was 18 years ago, so once it was Rekha ji, Kareena and Rani Mukerji. Then it became another actor, then another character,” revealed the filmmaker.
However, the filmmaker shared that the creative journey with Heeramandi has been without twists and turns. Pakistani actors Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan and Imran Abbasi revealed that they were considering roles in the series before the schedule changed.
Imran, as far as we know, has admitted that he was earlier approached for a role in the series and shared a clip of the LA interview on his Instagram Story as a closed call to all those who don’t believe his claims. When the host showed surprising behavior, Bhansali topped the cake with the cherry on top by suggesting that Heeramandi should be a movie, showing how the series should reach its premiere.
Despite the fluctuating cast of casting decisions, Bhansali expressed deep satisfaction with his latest ensemble that graced the screen in his magnum opus. Featuring diverse talents like Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chadha and Aditi Rao Hydari, the line-up features Bhansali’s witty twist to a story that will thrill many.
The web series, which will go on air on May 1, is Bhansali’s daring expedition into the pre-Independence world of Lahore, delving deep into the complex lives of nobles and nawabs. This ambitious project is a testament to Bhansali’s unwavering commitment to the craft of storytelling, which is reflected in the intricate craftsmanship that emerged over an extensive production journey spanning nearly three years and over 300 days dedicated to the art of capturing the magic of cinema.
With Heeramandi expected to enthrall the audience, fans of Bhansali’s cinematic excellence can look forward to the equally terrifying Love and War to come. The cinematography created a buzz when the cast was announced, with the talents of Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal to be tapped. The dynamic will be interesting and viewers are looking forward to the chemistry between the trio.
Based on her previous collaboration with the director, Aliya’s memorable performance in Gangubai Kathiawadi and Ranbir’s debut in Saawariya enchanting, the anticipation of a reunion under Bhansali’s direction is fueling excitement for the upcoming theatrical release.
