Contesting The Dramatic Representation of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s new web series on Netflix: A Comparative Study with The Historical Reality
Abstract
This article is a comparative study of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s latest Netflix series about the old red light Diamond Bazaar, alongside historical account of courtesans provided by Veena Talwar Oldenburg. Given the argument that Bhansali’s dramatization has preferred a cinematic flair over what he stated the cultural and historical accuracy, the purpose of this fact-checking research is to verify accuracy of claims and information presented in Bhansali’s dramatic representation of Heeramandi through the reliable historicist resources and evidences. In academic context, it is significant while warranting or disproving the integrity and reliability of the statements presented in Bhansali’s series with the help of comparative method. Though Bhansali is popular for his elaborate narratives, nuanced characters, and opulent images, and his films frequently address representation and identity issues, yet his cinematic approach strikes a deep chord with viewers and sparks conversations that go beyond the realm of cinematic realities. The present dramatic series has been set to explore the cultural and historical context of Heera Mandi – a red-light district in Lahore; however, instead of documenting the facts, Bhansali has manipulated the cultural and historical demonstration of reality. Hence, this comparative view of the research concludes the inadequacy on director’s part in revering and portraying the courtesans’ culture and reducing them to only spectacle.
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