Shekhar Suman defends 'Heeramandi', says Pakistan is 'jealous'

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jun 5, 2024 19:19 IST

Shekhar Suman recently made bold statements about his latest show, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Heeramandi'. In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Shekhar questioned the critics of the show's authenticity. He defended the show and said that the people of Pakistan are feeling 'jealous'.

Shekhar said, "Lot of stupid people are fussing and obsessing over it, talking about it and questioning the historical accuracy and authenticity and chronology, but Bhansali saab is known for his dystopian sagas. He is known for a world that he creates. He is a master craftsman. He creates his own world and that’s cinema. Cinema should not be questioned, interpretation should not be questioned because that’s his point of view. Take it or leave it. He hasn’t made a documentary on Heeramandi. He has just taken a cue from there."

The actor further added, 'Padosi mulk ke kuch log hain (There are some people from the neighbouring country) who are feeling very jealous about the fact ki inhone kyu bana dia (Why did they make it)? Bhai aap bana lete (Brother, you could have made it) and why are you even discussing our Heeramandi? We don’t discuss your films. We don’t even know whether you make films.”

Shekhar plays Nawab Zulfikar in 'Heeramandi', while his son Adhyayan portrays the young Zulfikar and Nawab Zorawar.

The series is set during the Indian independence movement and marks Bhansali's debut on OTT platforms. The drama is set in the 1920s and 1940s during the British Raj and is named after the red-light district of Heera Mandi in Lahore, now in Pakistan.

The story focuses on the power struggle among the courtesans of Heera Mandi, the Nawabs of Lahore, and the British officers. The cast includes Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sharmin Segal, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Farida Jalal, Fardeen Khan, and others.

'Heeramandi' released on May 1, 2024, and has been renewed for a second season.