The name Sanjay Leela Bhansali is now equated with grand sets and costumes. The filmmaker known for his larger-than-life filmmaking style has helmed films like `Padmaavat`, `Devdas`, `Bajirao Mastani`, `Gangubai Kathiawadi` and now `Heeramandi`. His debut series is set in the pre-independent era of India. Set in Lahore, the film focuses on `Heeramandi`, a place known for its rich courtesan and Nawab culture. The time period is set in the 1920s when the fight against British had entered a rebellious stage. 

But this is not the first time that Bhansali has dealt with the subject of courtesans in his film. Previously, `Devdas` and `Gangubai Kathiawadi` also had courtesans in central roles. In an old interview with Film Companion, the filmmaker revealed why he centers his projects around courtesans.