Clad in ethnic ensembles, Manisha Koirala, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha and Sharmin Segal Mehta perform Indian classical dance on a royal courtyard in the music video of Sakal Ban, the first track from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming Netflix period drama Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, dropped by the makers on Saturday.
The actresses, who play courtesans in the series, exude elegance through their footwork and swift body movements in the two-minute-45-second-long video, reminiscent of Bhansali’s previous works.
It begins with a bird’s-eye view of a group of dancers sporting yellow shararas, performing a long sequence of chakkars on the royal floor. Soon, a dispirited Aditi enters the scene and is consoled by Manisha and Sharmin’s characters. To cheer their friend up, Manisha and Sharmin begin performing a graceful dance which slowly begins to light up Aditi’s face.
With visually stunning and luxurious architectural settings, Bhansali has provided a glimpse into the world of Heeramandi in the video featuring palatial bungalows and courtesans from pre-independence India.
Sung by Raja Hasan, the song is penned by Amir Khusro.
“Step into spring to celebrate the season of flowers, blossoming with beauty, strength and grace! #SakalBan🌼 SONG OUT NOW from #HEERAMANDI. Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is coming soon, only on Netflix,” Bhansali Productions wrote alongside the video on Instagram.
Marking Bhansali’s OTT debut, the series will follow the stories of love and betrayal experienced by courtesans living in Lahore’s oldest red-light district, Heeramandi. Set against the backdrop of British-ruled India, the story explores how the women at Heeramandi found themselves entangled in a constant power struggle with anti-colonial movements on the rise.
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar also stars Sonakshi Sinha, Sanjeeda Shaikh and Richa Chadha.
Bhansali has teamed up with Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal for his epic saga Love and War, slated to arrive in theatres on Christmas next year.
The release date for Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar has not yet been announced.