![Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar](https://in.hellomagazine.com/images/028d-1acab27ab2f2-9175e78cc9f1-1000/horizontal-480/heeramandi-the-diamond-bazaar.jpg)
5 Movies To Watch If You Loved ‘Heeramandi’ On Netflix
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Ever since Sanjay Leela Bhansali announced that he is going to be making a web series on the life of courtesans set in the pre-Independence era, we knew we were in for a special treat.
The intricate costumes, the breathtaking sets and the melodious tunes of ‘Sakal Ban’ have been on everyone’s mind and now that the series has finally been released on Netflix, we can’t say we’re disappointed!
Set in the 1940s, Heeramandi follows the lives of courtesans during colonial rule. The star-studded cast includes Manisha Koirala, Sharmin Sehgal, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Shekhar Suman, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Fardeen Khan and Taha Shah, with each star decked out in stunning Rimple & Harpreet ensembles.
If you enjoyed watching SLB’s OTT debut as much as we did, here are a few movies you can add to your watchlists for the weekend...
Movies to Watch If oved Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi
![Pakheezah](https://in.hellomagazine.com/images/028d-1acab27ab2f4-bd8f8b9272bc-1000/square-480/pakheezah.png)
Pakheezah
Pakheezah (1972)
Despite being under appreciated at the time of its release, Kamal Amrohi’s Pakheezah has become a cult favourite over the years. Your heart will surely go out to the character of Sahib Jaan played by Meena Kumari, who fights a tug of war in her heart, whether to embrace her destiny and lead a life as a courtesan or break through the shackles of societal norms and embrace love.
Watch it here
![Mughal-e-Azam](https://in.hellomagazine.com/images/028d-1acad1489c53-54e259462cc6-1000/square-480/mughal-e-azam.jpg)
Mughal-e-Azam
Mughal-e-Azam (1960)
If you’re still not over Heeramandi’s carefully constructed world of beautiful sets and costumes, revisit this Bollywood masterpiece. Salim and Anarkali’s love story set against the backdrop of royal intrigue and political rebellion continues to inspire many modern-day romances.
Watch it here
![Amrapali](https://in.hellomagazine.com/images/028d-1acab27ab2f5-a5a0845f511b-1000/horizontal-480/amrapali.jpg)
Amrapali
Amrapali (1945)
Like Heeramandi, the plot of this classic Lekh Tandon film revolves around the themes of war, love, romance and nationalism. It also effortlessly communicates the woes of a nagarvadhu (courtesan) and her desire to choose between national interest and her heart.
Watch it here
![Mandi](https://in.hellomagazine.com/images/028d-1acab27ab2f5-4ea8792333f4-1000/square-480/mandi.jpg)
Mandi
Mandi (1983)
Shyam Benegal’s Mandi vividly brings out the themes of freedom of expression, respect and sexuality. Through Rukmini Bai’s character played by Shabana Azmi, Shyam Benegal defiantly questions the stereotypes and the humiliation endured by courtesans in their day-to-day lives.
Watch it here
![Devdas](https://in.hellomagazine.com/images/028d-1acad1489c53-a31b53bdc9c3-1000/square-480/devdas.jpg)
Devdas
Devdas (2002)
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s eponymous novel is easily one of the director’s best. From the ensemble cast, featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit, to the breathtaking visuals, SLB’s Devdas is an easy pick if you’re looking to watch something in your post-Heeramandi hangover.
Watch it here