'Heeramandi' budget, star cast fees revealed, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's pay cheque is higher than anyone

Emerging as the highest-paid actress of the series, Sonakshi Sinha received Rs 2 crore for her pivotal role in Heeramandi.

'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar' is an ambitious series brought to life by the renowned director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The show dives into the intriguing world of courtesans, known as tawaifs, in the pre-independence era, showcasing a blend of romance, rich history, and intricate politics among the nobles.

 Production and Budget

Director's Fee: Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his grand cinematic visions, reportedly charged around Rs 60-70 crore for his role in the series.

Series Budget: The production scale of 'Heeramandi' matches its ambitious narrative, with a budget of approximately Rs 200 crores.

Cast and Compensation

The series boasts an ensemble cast, portraying complex characters from tawaifs to nawabs, with salaries reflecting the show's high production value:

Sonakshi Sinha: Emerging as the highest-paid actress of the series, Sonakshi Sinha received Rs 2 crore for her pivotal role.

Manisha Koirala: Filmibeat reports that she was compensated with Rs 1 crore for her contributions.

Aditi Rao Hydari: Her versatile acting skills earned her between Rs 1 to 1.5 crores.

Richa Chadha: Like Koirala, Chadha was paid Rs 1 crore for her role.

Sanjeeda Sheikh: Playing a character named Waheeda, Sheikh earned Rs 40 lakh.

Sharmin Sehgal: Portraying Alamzeb, Sehgal received over Rs 30 lakh.

Fardeen Khan: For his comeback role, Khan charged Rs 75 lakh.

Supporting Cast

'Heeramandi' also features Taha Shah Badussha, Shekhar Suman, and Adhyayan Suman, who significantly contribute to the series' portrayal of nawabs, enhancing the royal and political dynamics of the storyline.

Cultural Impact and Anticipation

'Heeramandi' has been appreciated not only for its star-studded cast and high budget but also for its depiction of a seldom-explored facet of Indian history. The series promises to deliver a spectacle of drama, opulent sets, intricate costumes, and a deeper look into the socio-political nuances of Heeramandi's era. As viewers await its release, the series is expected to be a significant addition to the landscape of Indian historical dramas, potentially setting new benchmarks for storytelling and production quality in the genre.