Heeramandi: Truth behind Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s iconic web series
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s most iconic web series, Heeramandi has become a trendsetter in itself. The series features an ensembled cast of great actresses such as Manisha Koirala, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sharmin Sehgal, Sonakshi Sinha, Farida Jalal and Sanjeeda Sheikh to mention a few. But, most of you might be unaware of the fact that the series is based on the real-life accounts of the Tawaifs of The Red Light District of Lahore. The area itself was famous for its prostitute community that originated during the Mughal reign.
Heeramandi was originally named Hira Singh Di Mandi meaning Hira Singh’s grain market. Hira Singh Dogra was the Prime Minister of Punjab during the reign of Sher-E-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The mandi derived its present name as it transformed into the “Red Light District” city.
Reel vs Real “Heeramandi”
From Pakeezah, Umrao Jaan and now Heeramandi, Bollywood filmmakers had a long fascination about the Heeramandi of Lahore. But, you will be amazed to know the harsh reality behind the glorious scenes. During the Mughal period, Heeramandi had a song and dance community based on the Tawaif culture. Later, it turned into a red-light district during the British colonisation.
A point to note is that the actual scene is different from that portrayed by Bollywood directors. A harsh reality is that the Tawaifs of Heeramandi had to undergo various hardships in their life. Moreover, they were treated as mere slaves to the royal heirs or the Badshah. They could not lead a normal life as we do. Nor, do the tawaifs were allowed to Nikah with their loved ones. They were simply prostitutes or a means of entertainment.
Popular History
The popular mandi was once a grains and spices hub during Maharaja Ranjeet Singh’s rule. It was the Shahi Mohalla in the heart of the mandi that become the iconic hub of the Tawaifs or prostitutes. Heera means diamond in Urdu and is known popularly to describe the dancing girls of the area.
The Mandi or the hub of the prostitutes was established during the Mughal Empire in 15th century. However, the place gained significant prominence during the third Badshah i.e Akbar. During this time the prostitutes mainly came from Afghanistan and Uzbekistan for entertainment. An area south to the Lahore Quilla was developed as a residential neighborhood for attendants and servants of the royal court and the Badshah. It later came to be known as the Shahi Mohalla i.e. royal neighborhood.
Furthermore, the area became home to tawaifs, who were professional entertainers associated with the royal court. The market remained the centre of the city’s tawaifs (chief courtesan) culture for the Lahore’s Mughal era during the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries The name “Heera Mandi” was chosen in honor of Heera Singh, an officer who resided in that area. During the invasions of Ahmed Shah Abdali, the Heeramandi became a popular hub foe prostitution.
The role of Heeramandi in Independence and aftermath
Now you might be shocked to know that the prostitutes of the famous Red-light District were also actively involved in the freedom struggle. The Bollywood web series of Sanjay Leela Bhansali clearly depicts the significant role played by them in the quest of free India.
