Sanjay Leela Bhansali‘s impact with Heeramandi on Netflix has set a new benchmark for Indian storytelling on global platforms, with the series achieving record-breaking viewership and praise from leading figures in the entertainment world. The show’s inventive approach and massive reach have significantly altered perceptions of Indian content among international audiences.
Bhansali’s Unique Approach Raises the Bar for Indian Streaming Content
Recognized as one of India’s most accomplished filmmakers, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has long been celebrated for his grandeur and attention to detail. With Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, Bhansali transitioned to streaming for the first time, delivering a series that captivated viewers far beyond Indian borders. His vision for large-scale, visually stunning narratives made Heeramandi a prime example of how Indian creators can resonate worldwide.
The series’ debut was marked by remarkable numbers: within its first week, Heeramandi attracted 4.5 million viewers and amassed an impressive 33 million watch hours. These achievements propelled the show to the No. 2 spot on Netflix’s Non-English TV chart and brought it into the Top 10 across 43 countries, making it the most-watched Indian web series within its initial release window. The overwhelming response from international audiences demonstrated Indian cinema’s potential to compete with the best global content on streaming platforms.
Ted Sarandos Reflects on the Ambitious Collaboration
Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos recounted his experiences with the project during a conversation on Nikhil Kamath’s WTF podcast. When asked about an Indian entertainment figure who left a strong impression, Sarandos highlighted Bhansali’s Heeramandi as a standout project, emphasizing the scale and ambition behind it.
Heeramandi was probably one of the most creatively interesting projects I’ve worked on in India. I was involved in the greenlighting meetings for it. He (Bhansali) came to LA to do the pitch. He came in with this very big vision.
—Ted Sarandos, CEO, Netflix
Honestly, it almost felt like a dare—like he was saying, ‘I dare you to make this’. It’s so big. He’s a legend of cinema, so the idea of him making a TV Show was unheard of. I thought he came for us to say no. And then, when we said yes, there were lots of delays. It was a complicated production.
—Ted Sarandos, CEO, Netflix
Despite facing delays and the complexities of creating grand, practical sets, Sarandos admired Heeramandi’s authenticity and its tribute to India’s cinematic traditions. The show’s combination of vibrant settings, memorable music, and nuanced performances created a viewing experience that was both nostalgic and innovative.
Legacy and Future for Bhansali and Indian Streaming
Heeramandi’s success reflects a pivotal moment for Indian content creators and platforms like Netflix. By achieving such widespread international acclaim, the series has opened doors for more ambitious projects from India and altered the perspective of entertainment giants toward producing high-budget, high-impact web series from the region.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is set to continue expanding his creative influence with the upcoming film Love & War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, and Alia Bhatt. This highly anticipated project is expected to build on the momentum created by Heeramandi, securing Bhansali’s reputation as a director capable of inspiring both industry peers and new audiences globally.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali spoke publicly in my favour. Still, I didn’t get work
—Adhyayan Suman
With Heeramandi, Bhansali and Netflix have shown that Indian stories can not only compete but thrive on the world stage, reshaping expectations for streaming content from India.
