Shekhar Suman, Fardeen Khan, Taha Shah and Adhyayan Suman are set to star in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s OTT debut Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, reveal a fresh set of character posters dropped by streaming platform Netflix on Instagram on Saturday.
Shekhar, who made his acting debut with Shashi Kapoor’s 1984 Hindi erotic drama film Utsav opposite Rekha, will essay the role of Zulfikar in the upcoming web series. Inordinately ambitious, only one thing stands in Zulfikar’s way after he has pledged his allegiance to Mallikajaan (played by Manisha Koirala) — Heeramandi, the oldest centre of prostitution in Lahore.
Fardeen returns to the screen as Wali Mohammed nearly 14 years after his last release Dulha Mil Gaya in 2010. In Heeramandi, the actor plays Mallikajaan’s archenemy. Caught in a tumultuous struggle between love and duty, he strives to reconcile his heart's desires with his royal obligations.
Taha Shah — known for his performance in movies like Gippi (2013), Baar Baar Dekho (2016) and Ranchi Diaries (2017) — will star as Tajdar in Bhansali’s epic saga of love, power and freedom. As a nawab's son, his character grapples with a profound dilemma, seeking purpose through liberation.
Adhyayan Suman, who last starred in the web series Inspector Avinash alongside Randeep Hooda, Urvashi Rautela and Amit Sial, takes on the role of a passionate lover Zoravar in Heeramandi. His unwavering affection for Lajjo (Richa Chadha) poses the greatest threat to his destiny.
Starring Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Sharmin Segal, and Richa Chadha in lead roles, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar delves into stories of love and betrayal experienced by courtesans residing in Lahore’s oldest red-light district, Heeramandi. The revolutionary women of this marketplace hold sway, yet the situation quickly escalates when young Alam (played by Sharmin) chooses the love of one man over the adoration of many.
The series is slated to premiere on Netflix on May 1.
