In what has become a fiery discussion on the representation of history on screen, Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha has come forward to defend the Netflix series ‘Heeramandi’ amid a wave of criticisms regarding the show’s historical accuracy. The actress, who stars in the gripping drama, recently responded to the detractors, stating that the series should not be viewed as a historical documentary, but rather as a work of fiction.
The controversy around ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,’ directed by renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, has split audiences with its depiction of the pre-partition Lahore. Its grandeur and aesthetic excellence have been applauded by many, but there is a subset of viewers who have questioned the show’s engagement with historical facts.
Sinha was quite forthcoming in a dialogue with ETimes. “When did we promise people a history lesson?” she intrigued, dismissing the notion that the show ever aspired to fidelity to historical events. In Sinha’s perspective, the show merely takes inspiration from the real-life Hira Mandi — known for its rich culture — without claiming to mirror historical events accurately. She characterized Bhansali’s creation as ‘Heeramandi’ as nothing less than a captivating, subjective universe shaped by the director’s vision.
Furthermore, Sonakshi praised Bhansali’s unique visual storytelling, saying, “He’s selling you the idea of a dream and a vision, and that’s what he’s known for.” In her point of view, ‘Heeramandi’ was intended to engage audiences through its enchanting cinematic expression rather than presenting a didactic history piece.
The actress also addressed what she saw as a discrepancy in reception among critics and audiences, particularly relating to Western shows such as Netflix’s ‘Bridgerton.’ The latter, despite its historically fictionalized narrative, received acclaim, contrasting the criticism faced by ‘Heeramandi’ for similar reasons. Sonakshi pushed for a level playing field, challenging viewers to assess ‘Heeramandi’ on the backdrop of its storytelling and escapism, the same way as they would for a show like ‘Bridgerton.’
Sanjay Leela Bhansali himself spoke on the matter with a touch of emotional depth, revealing the international bond his work fosters. In a heartfelt revelation, Bhansali told Indiewire about the admiration he has garnered from Pakistan — a sign of art transcending borders and resonating with shared cultural heritages. “It’s a piece that somehow brings us all together, when all India was one, it was undivided,” Bhansali reflected, acknowledging the shared patrimony of the subcontinent’s pre-partition era.
Bhansali expressed that the characters in ‘Heeramandi’ could strike a chord with viewers like his previous projects. In the midst of those who appreciate the project and those who don’t, the director views the interaction as a natural give and take between an audience and a filmmaker. He doesn’t shy away from being loved, nor from being critiqued, finding purpose in the emotional response his works generate, regardless of its nature.
‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,’ since its release, has had the eyes of critics and viewers alike affixed to its artistic approach to a historical backdrop. Whether it is praised for its visual splendor or critiqued for liberties taken with history, one thing is clear — it has sparked a vibrant conversation on the intersection of art, entertainment, and historical representation, a conversation Sonakshi Sinha and Sanjay Leela Bhansali are at the heart of.
