Sanjay Leela Bhansali`s web series ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ is set to premiere on Netflix on May 1. 

Bhansali, who is synonymous with larger-than-life sets for all of his films took the bar up a notch for ‘Heeramandi’. 

In an interaction with Architectural Digest India, Bhansali revealed how the interiors reflect Mumbai`s red light area - Kamathipura.

 “I like to be lost, lost in bigger spaces. So, I enjoy big sets,” said Bhansali. 

Bhansali, who previously helmed ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ starring Alia Bhatt, has borrowed elements from the controversial area that he witnessed on his way back home from school. 

Bhansali maintains that the portrayal of Heeramandi in his series is far from what the area looked like in reality because art can’t be real. 

The set was erected at Mumbai’s Film City by 700 craftsmen who worked for 7 months straight. Around 60,000 wooden planks and metal frames were used. 

The sets comprise a palace where Manisha Koirala resides and the quarters of Fardeen Khan and her rival Sonakshi Sinha. 

Bhansali has made sure that no details were spared in making the sets that ooze miniature paintings, textiles, enamel carvings, and antique wooden furniture. There is also a mosque, a courtyard, and a dancing hall with water fountains. 

‘Heeramandi’ features stars Manisha Koirala, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Sharmin Segal, Fardeen Khan, Shekhar Suman, Adhyayan Suman, and Taha Shah Badussha in pivotal roles.