Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is the new Netflix series created by noted Bollywood director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Revolving around the lives of elite courtesans in the titular red light district of Lahore, Heeramandi boasts a stellar cast led by Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, and Aditi Rao Hydari.
If you enjoyed this extravagant period piece, we've got you covered with many more shows and movies to watch after Heeramandi and where to stream them online right now.
1. Gangubai Kathiawadi
Starring Alia Bhatt as the titular heroine, Gangubai Kathiawadi is yet another exploration of the lives of sex workers from Sanjay Leela Bhansali's lens. Bhatt has an empowering turn as a woman forced into sexual slavery, who later becomes a local leader with political influence.
2. Made In Heaven
If you wish to stream more OTT shows by mainstream Bollywood directors, Made In Heaven is a must-watch option. Created by Zoya Akhtar (Gully Boy) and Reema Kagti (Talaash), the Amazon Prime Video original deals with the everyday affairs of an upscale wedding organising agency in Delhi. Each episode finds them taking on a new assignment while encountering both conservative and modern attitudes of society.
3. A Suitable Boy
Based on Vikram Seth's novel of the same name, A Suitable Boy deals with the impact of colonialism in India much like Heeramandi. Much like how Bhansali's Netflix series deals with a rebellion brewing against the British, A Suitable Boy is set after Independence. A chaotic love story brews in newly-independent India in this miniseries directed by Oscar nominee Mira Nair (Salaam Bombay).
4. Jubilee
When it comes to stylish historic shows like Heeramandi, Amazon Prime users must watch Jubilee. An ode to the Golden Age of Bollywood, Jubilee follows multiple visionaries of post-Independent India's film industry as they follow their silver screen dreams. Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane (Lootera), Jubilee also boasts an impressive performance by Heeramandi star Aditi Rao Hydari.
5. Mandi
Shyam Benegal’s universally acclaimed drama Mandi deals with the inner workings of a brothel in Hyderabad. Featuring career-defining performances by Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, and Naseeruddin Shah, this cult classic is a perfect film to watch for audiences who are intrigued to know more about the politics of sex work after Heeramandi.
6. Bombay Begums
Need more Hindi women-driven dramas to watch after Heeramandi? Netflix’s Bombay Begums can be a good option, exploring the lives of five ambitious women from different margins of the society in modern Mumbai.
7. Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo
Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo is a feminist crime drama featuring Dimple Kapadia as a strong-willed matriarch who runs a drug cartel in the desert. If you liked Manisha Koirala’s chief courtesan Mallikajaan in Heeramandi, Kapadia’s Rani Baa will keep you entertained.
8. Begum Jaan
An underrated period drama starring Vidya Balan, Begum Jaan is an engaging companion watch with Heeramandi. Much like the Netflix series, Begum Jaan deals with the struggles of sex-workers at a time when India is close to attaining Independence. Their personal drama blends with the changing history of the country.
9. Dahaad
Sonakshi Sinha was one of the highlights of Heermanadi with her versatile performance in dual roles. Fans of the actress can also watch her first OTT title, the nail-biting Prime Video cop thriller Dahaad. The series starred Sinha as an ambitious policewoman investigating serial killings of women in Rajasthan.
10. Chandni Bar
Directed by Madhur Bhandarkar and starring Tabu, Chandni Bar is a gritty exploration of Mumbai’s lost souls and the sleazy Mumbai dance bars where they spend their nights. A dark contrast from the glamour of Heeramandi, Chandni Bar still holds up today.
Below you can find a list of all these movies and TV shows along with the information you need to stream them in India.
