Heeramandi : Snehil’s journey stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Bhansali’s cinematic universe
On the grand sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansali‘s Heeramandi, Additional Director Snehil Dixit Mehra shares her experiences, shedding light on the filmmaker’s pursuit of perfection, the show’s criticism, and the challenges faced by the cast.
Snehil Dixit Mehra, once a young student preparing for IIT in Kota, Rajasthan, found herself enamored by Bhansali‘s cinematic masterpiece, Devdas, back in 2002. Little did she know that two decades later, she would be a part of his ambitious project, Heeramandi, contributing to its writing team and serving as an additional director on one of India’s biggest Netflix shows.
Reflecting on her journey, Snehil recalls the allure of Sanjay‘s “cinematic world” characterized by grandeur, beauty, meticulous detailing, extravagant costumes, and captivating storytelling. She humorously jests that meeting Bhansali made her joke that she couldn’t become an IITian because of him.
Heeramandi has become a topic of both adoration and scrutiny on the internet, captivating fans of Sanjay‘s distinct style while also facing criticism from dissenters. Snehil opens up about the intense scrutiny and unkind reception faced by Sharmin Segal, Bhansali‘s niece and an actor in the show.
The production of Heeramandi is a spectacle in itself, with Snehil revealing staggering figures like 99 retakes and a crew of over 600 people. These numbers underscore Bhansali‘s relentless pursuit of perfection, pushing boundaries to create a visually stunning and emotionally resonant narrative.
Despite the challenges and criticisms, Snehil expresses gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of Heeramandi, acknowledging the impact of Bhansali’s visionary storytelling and the mesmerizing world he creates on screen. As the show continues to spark conversations and capture imaginations, Snehil‘s journey stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Bhansali’s cinematic universe.
