The latest Netflix series “Heeramandi,” helmed by renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, has been causing ripples in both India and Pakistan.
Set in Lahore before Independence, the series has been a labor of love for Bhansali, undergoing several years of development and cast adjustments before its eventual release.
Notably, there were rumors at different stages of production about actors Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, and Imran Abbas joining the cast.
Despite the anticipation surrounding it, “Heeramandi” has garnered mixed reviews since its debut. However, it recently courted controversy with a scene referencing “Peer e Kamil,” a highly successful Urdu novel by Umera Ahmed.
Originally published in 2004, “Peer e Kamil” has attained cult status, particularly for its protagonist, Salar Sikandar, who enjoys widespread adoration.
The incorporation of “Peer e Kamil” into a series set in the pre-Independence era raised eyebrows among viewers, highlighting elements that seemed out of sync with the historical context.
Nevertheless, the juxtaposition of these cultural touchstones has ignited discussion and debate among fans of both the series and the novel.
