Heeramandi is Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s grand period drama which has captivated audiences on Netflix since its release on May 1st. But the opulence wasn’t just on screen! Recently, reports shed light on the impressive salaries the cast and director commanded.
Heeramandi – Cast Salaries and Budget of Web Series
Bhansali’s Big Bucks
The series’ budget itself is a staggering ₹200 crore, with Bhansali himself reportedly pocketing a director’s fee of ₹60-70 crore. This surpasses the remuneration of most Bollywood actors, highlighting Bhansali’s position as a filmmaking powerhouse.
Leading Ladies and Rising Stars
Among the actors, Sonakshi Sinha who is playing the captivating role of Faridan, emerged as the highest-paid cast member, receiving a cool ₹2 crore. Veteran actress Manisha Koirala, portraying Queen Mynah (not Queen John), wasn’t far behind with a reported salary of ₹1 crore.
Aditi Rao Hydari (Bibibjaan in the series) earned somewhere between ₹1-1.5 crore, while Richa Chadha (Lajo) and Sanjeeda Shaikh (Waheeda) secured ₹1 crore each.
Family Ties and Bollywood Debuts
Sharmeen Sehgal, Bhansali’s niece making her debut as courtesan Aalia Zeb, received ₹30 lakh. It’s interesting to note that some viewers felt her performance fell short of expectations.
Fardeen Khan’s Grand Return
Marking his comeback after a 14-year, Fardeen Khan bagged ₹75 lakh for his portrayal of the Nawab.
A Lavish Spectacle
Heeramandi is a testament to Bhansali’s signature style. The series boasts grand sets, a stellar cast, and a captivating story set against the backdrop of pre-partition Lahore. So, if you’re looking for a visually stunning and historically rich drama, Heeramandi is worth adding to your watchlist!