Sanjay Leela Bhansali's first web series, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is now streaming on Netflix.

At the Los Angeles premiere of the big-budget show, Bhansali spoke about his vision, and shared that he was originally going to make it as a film with Rekha, Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukerji. The director said that the idea of Heeramandi has stayed with him for 18 years, but since the story was so expansive, the film did not materialise.

Talking to Lilly Singh at the premiere, Bhansali shared his thoughts about the casting, and said, "This was 18 years ago so at one point it was Rekha ji, Kareena and Rani Mukerji. Then it changed into another cast, then it changed into another cast." As the host expressed her shock, Bhansali said that this his idea when Heeramandi was "supposed to be a film." Heeramandi is set in pre-Independence Lahore, in the world of courtesans and nawabs.

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.

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.