Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for his ability to give audiences larger-than-life, extraordinary experiences that they can easily get lost in. It could be the grand sets in his films such as Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013), or the royal incarnations of their characters. Well, for his first web series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, the director had reportedly created exquisite jewelery which weighs over 300 kg. The collection has over 10,000 pieces, which will be worn by leading ladies Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Sehgal and Sanjeeda Sheikh, among others. As we eagerly wait to see Bhansali’s magic, here’s a look at Indian films that have surprised people in the past by adorning their lead stars with stunning jewellery.
Devdas (2002)
Let’s start where it all started. As we all know, Bhansali’s Devdas At that time it was the most expensive film made in our country. Apart from the 600 sarees used by costume designer Neeta Lulla, a major highlight was the jewelery made of kundan and garnet. Be it Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s jhumkas and hathphools, or Madhuri Dixit’s maang tikka and chokers – each piece adds charm to the character.
Jodha Akbar (2008)
Years passed and then in 2008, Ashutosh Gowarikar introduced us to Hrithik Roshan as Emperor Akbar and Aishwarya as Princess Jodha Bai. Reports suggest that the Bollywood beauty was adorned with gold jewelery Rs 200 crore, weight more than 200 kg. That’s not everything! The production hired 50 guards to protect him
Bajirao Mastani (2015)
From Deepika Padukone aka Mastani’s intricate nath and royal neckpiece to Priyanka Chopra aka Kashibai’s bajuband and Marathi nath, each piece of jewelery was pristine and made of 24 carat gold. It took the makers a long time to design the jewelery and they also used kundan, rubies and polki diamonds
Padmavat (2018)
Deepika stepped into royalty once again when she played Rani Padmavati for Bhansali. Apart from wearing the lehenga that weighed around 30 kg, the actor also wore 20 kg of jewelery made from 400 kg of molten gold. This was undoubtedly one of Deepika’s best looks and characters till date
baahubali franchise
About the film that created history with its record-breaking figures. SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali series redefined onscreen royalty. The lead role was played by the stylish warrior princess Devasena, played by the beautiful Anushka Shetty. Her style was classy and subtle but in many scenes, she was covered in gold from head to toe. From her nose earrings to her maang-tika and the breathtaking layered necklace – each piece made us wish we were a star in Rajamouli’s film.
Heeramandi will premiere on Netflix on May 1. Keep an eye out for exquisite jewellery, now that you know how much work went into making it.
