Sanjay Leela Bhansali says he wanted to cast Rekha, Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukerji in Heeramandi; Fawad, Mahira were also in contention

Bhansali shared that at one point, he also thought of casting Pakistani actors Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan and Imran Abbas in the show, but “then it all changed.” In an earlier chat with ARY’s Shan-e-Suhoor, Imran had opened up about being offered a role in Bhansali’s show. He said, “I did not refuse that, but it was shelved at the time.” Imran had also shared that he was offered Aditya Roy Kapur’s role in Guzaarish.

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SLB concluded the conversation by saying that he is “very happy with the cast” that finally came onboard. Heeramandi now stars Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chadha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sharmin Segal, Taha Shah, Fardeen Khan, Shekhar Suman among others.

In the same chat, Bhansali shared that the show has been in the making for almost three years, and he shot for it for over 300 days. After Heeramandi, Bhansali is looking forward to his next film, Love and War, which stars Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. Alia has previously worked with Sanjay in Gangubai Kathiawadi, and Ranbir has worked with the director in his debut film Saawariya.