Vivek Agnihotri Slams Heeramandi, Praises Pakistani Doctor For Criticising Sanjay Leela Bhansali: 'Tendency to Romanticise Courtesans'

Mumbai: In a social media post, director and writer Vivek Agnihotri endorsed a Pakistani doctor's critique of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's new series "Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar." Agnihotri argued that

Mumbai: In a social media post, director and writer Vivek Agnihotri endorsed a Pakistani doctor's critique of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's new series "Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar." Agnihotri argued that Bollywood often falls into the trap of glamorizing brothels and courtesans, and raised questions about the portrayal's accuracy. Scroll down to find more details.

Vivek Agnihotri Slams Bhansali's Heeramandi

Vivek retweeted Hamd Nawaz's posts and wrote, "A brilliant critique by @_SophieSchol. I haven't seen the show, but I have visited Heeramandi in Lahore a few times. Bollywood has this tendency to romanticize courtesans and brothels. It's a sad commentary because brothels have never been places of opulence, glamour or beauty. These are monuments of human injustice, pain and suffering. Those unfamiliar with this should watch Shyam Benegal's Mandi (sic)."

He further added, "Also, a question we must ask: Does creativity give us the freedom to glamorize human suffering? Is it okay to make a film where slum life is depicted as a life of abundance? Is it okay to portray slum dwellers wearing clothes as if they are attending an Ambani wedding? Pl discuss (sic)."

Take a look at the post:

A brilliant critique by @_SophieSchol. I haven't seen the show, but I have visited Heeramandi in Lahore a few times. Bollywood has this tendency to romanticize courtesans and brothels. It's a sad commentary because brothels have never been places of opulence, glamour or beauty.… https://t.co/D56qU0Zyg0

— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) May 4, 2024

Netizens React To Vivek Agnihotri's Viral Post

In response to the post, one person offered their opinion, "Anything in the extreme becomes unpalatable. He is unable to strike a balance between creative freedom and reality (sic)." The second user commented, "Bollywood doesn't just have a habit. They are obsessed with romanticising brothels, courtesans, etc., particularly some of the later movies. But i do think this is a SLB problem, his movies thrive on showing opulence. Umrao Jaan, Bazaar were more balanced (sic)."

The third X/ Twitter user penned, "I saw parts with fast forwards, hoping to see some redeeming parts from a brilliant filmmaker, beyond huge sets, grand photography & music, but couldn't find anything. The turning of tawaifs en masse to patriotic revolutionaries verged on comical (sic)."

A viewer, Hamd, recently pointed out historical inaccuracies in the show "Heeramandi" on social media. It read, "Just watched Heeramandi. Found everything but heermandi in it. I mean either you don't set your story in 1940's Lahore, or if you do- you don't set it in Agra's landscape, Delhi's Urdu, Lakhnavi dresses and 1840's vibe. My not-so-sorry Lahori self can't really let it go (sic)."

She further added, "To begin with, where exactly is it set? Lake Como? Amalfi Coast? The most evident landmark still visible from every building in today's remnants of Heera Mandi is the Shahi Qilla-Grand Mosque's doom and minarets skyline. If you call it Lahore, show Lahore (sic)." Hamd delved into the web series's depiction of social class, wealth distribution, spoken language, music, and fashion choices.