Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s debut web series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar has been a trending topic of discussion on social media ever since it started streaming on Netflix. From calling out the director for his over-the-top and unrealistic depiction of Heeramandi, to trolling his niece Sharmin Segal for her expressionless portrayal of Alamzeb, the OTT project has all anyone can talk about. Amid the increasing chatter about the web series, fees of the cast were recently revealed by many media reports.
Starring Manisha Koirala, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sonakshi Sinha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sharmin Segal, and many others in pivotal roles, Heeramandi has taken social media by storm. According to a report by Pinkvilla, having essayed the roles of mother-daughter duo Rehana Apa and Fareedan, Sonakshi charged a whooping cost of Rs 2 crore. Quoting Money Control’s report, the Rowdy Rathore actress was one of the highest-paid actresses in the show. ALSO READ: Aditi Rao Hydari On Heeramandi Co-Star Sharmin Segal Getting TROLLED For Bad Acting; Actress Says, ‘It Has Gotten Very MEAN, It's Not Fair’
Koirala portrayed the role of Mallikajaan, the matriarch of the tawaaifs living in Heeramandi. For her role, she charged Rs 1 crore. Moving on to Aditi Rao Hydari, who left everyone impressed with her portrayal of Bibbojaan, Mallikajaan’s elder daughter and a freedom fighter, charged 1-1.5 crore for her role. On the other hand, Richa Chadha, who left fans emotional with her portrayal of Lajjo, a courtesan trained by Mallikajaan, was paid Rs 1 crore for her small appearance in the show. ALSO READ: Heeramandi Actor Shekhar Suman Says S*x Workers' Contribute To The Society In A Way: 'Mardon Ki Bhookh Channelise Hoti Hai'
Having made a name for herself in the Hindi television industry, Sanjeeda Sheikh played the character of Waheeda, Mallikajaan’s younger sister. She charged Rs 40 lakh for her character in Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Fardeen Khan, who made his comeback to the screens with the web series, impressed the audience with his portrayal of Wali Saab. He received Rs 75 lakhs for his role. Last but not least, Sharmin Segal, who has been at the receiving end of criticism for his portrayal of Alamzeb, charged around Rs 30 lakh.
The entertainment portal also reports that director-producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali charged around Rs 60-70 crore for helming the project. It is to be noted, that the project was reportedly made on a budget of approximately Rs 200 crores. The show also stars Taha Shah Badussha, Farida Jalal, Shekhar Suman, Shruti Sharma, Rajat Kaul, Pratibha Ranta, and Adhyayan Suman, among many others.
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