'The Kashmir Files' director Vivek Agnohotri criticizes Netflix and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Heeramandi': 'Brothels have never been a place of…'

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The filmmaker responded to a tweet by a doctor and wrote- 'Does creativity give us the freedom to glamorize human suffering?' read more

Netflix and Saniay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is now streaming on the OTT giant and so far, has received both praise and criticism for its craft and opulence. 'The Kashmir Files' director Vivek Agnohotri too had a sharp take on the show after a doctor critiqued the portrayal of courtesans and their traumatic lives.

The doctor had to say- '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.'

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. pic.twitter.com/1O6Iq36SV9

— Hamd Nawaz (@_SophieSchol) May 3, 2024

Agnihotri responded by saying- '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.'

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

The filmmaker 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.'