Renowned Indian filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali makes his OTT debut with the upcoming web series ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,’ as the first look was revealed on Thursday.

The series promises Bhansali’s signature production design, a stellar ensemble cast, and a captivating portrayal of pre-independence India, IANS reported from Mumbai.

Starring Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal, and Sanjeeda Sheikh, the first look captures the essence of Bhansali’s storytelling, featuring vibrant frames of leading ladies and contrasting cold, grim textures with Sonakshi Sinha in a black outfit.

Bhansali’s storytelling artistry is evident in every frame, promising a truly Indian narrative for a global audience. The series delves into the cultural reality of Heeramandi, exploring the lives of courtesans and their patrons amidst the backdrop of the Indian freedom struggle in the 1940s.

In a conversation with Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos, Bhansali highlighted the importance of strong female characters in his stories. He emphasized, “A strong female character is the fulcrum of any project for me. I won’t make ‘Bajirao Mastani’ if there’s no Mastani.”

‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,’ directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is set to premiere soon on Netflix, promising a visual spectacle and a compelling narrative.