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When Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s first show Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar released on Netflix India, it sent viewers back home. There were many supporters, but there were also many critics who criticized the show’s historical inaccuracy and asked whether beauty was enough to pass for any Indian piece of entertainment. Engagement figures soon came in and Heeramandi became the most watched Indian series on Netflix in its first week. It also entered the top 10 in 43 countries, especially where it was dubbed into local languages. (Also Read: Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s first web show Heeramandi becomes most watched Indian series on Netflix)
Oscar-winning Parasite director Bong Joon-ho may have called subtitles ‘a one-inch hurdle’ to overcome, but dubbing is still a giant in spreading historically specific but universally resonating stories like Heeramandi across languages and cultures. Goes a long way. Dubbing the show into 13 languages, including 8 foreign languages, helped it enter the top 10 in countries as diverse as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, France, Germany, Bahrain, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iraq. Has been found. ,
“This overwhelming response reaffirms our belief that Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s art has global appeal and has fans beyond the Indian diaspora across the world. Dubbing in 13 languages, including 8 foreign languages, we wanted everyone to experience her first series, filled with her distinctive style, captivating performances, strong female characters, gorgeous set designs and costumes, as well as an exclusive album . The overwhelming reception reaffirms our collective belief in the show’s universal appeal,” says Monica Shergill, vice president of content, Netflix India. “This is Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s passion project which he has kept in his heart for 14 years. So he was definitely very interested and involved in making sure the story reached a wide audience and we strongly supported that vision,” she adds.
Indian story, universal theme
Bhansali is no stranger to crossovers. His 2002 period drama Devdas premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and his last directorial venture, Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), performed exceptionally well in Thailand. That’s why dubbing artiste Sopita Rangsiothai, who voiced Mallikajan (Manisha Koirala’s character) in Thai, took the opportunity to make Bhansali’s new story accessible to her countrymen. “I think historical films are interesting in different countries. People care a lot more about the past and the future because of the joy of exploration,” she tells us.
Indian actor Sahil Vaid, who dubbed in English for Ashfaq Baloch, says that Heeramandi bridges the gap between today’s youth and the challenges of the past. “The world felt familiar because I had encountered it in the stories of my grandparents, who were from Lahore. I raised my voice for Ashfaq in English and was convinced that I saw my father in him. Every father is the same, that’s the beauty of fatherhood. I think it will resonate with all the father-son relationships out there,” he added.
Another dubbing artist, Stéphanie Laforgue, who voiced Mallikajan in French, echoes the belief that Heeramundi being set in another place and another era is a greater asset than the ship of isolation. She says, “It provides an alternative view of the world and women from a different region and time period.” Katharina Spiering, who dubbed in German for Faridan (Sonakshi Sinha’s character), agrees that the colonial histories of India and Germany are spiritually linked. She explains, “It is brilliantly filmed, taking us to another world and yet dealing with themes that are familiar to all of us – love, the desire for power, dealing with betrayal, and last but not least No, women’s solidarity and freedom.”
all india event
From Ashutosh Gowarikar’s 2001 period cricket drama Lagaan (which was nominated for Best Foreign Film at the Academy Awards) to SS Rajamouli’s RRR, which won an Oscar and a Golden Globe last year, stories of India’s freedom struggle have often been It has received global resonance. A powerful anthem of rebellion, Natu Natu. RRR also got a new life and much-awaited global recognition when it released on Netflix. Thus the streaming giant left no stone unturned in strategically installing the music of Heeramandi, which was composed by Bhansali himself. The songs were also dubbed into Tamil and Telugu to make Heeramandi a true pan-India phenomenon, although it is set entirely in present-day Pakistan territory.
SP Abhishek says, “Since the narrative is set in the northern regions of our country (India in the pre-partition era), it was important for us to retain the original spirit of the songs and at the same time make them relevant and understandable for the audience. ” Music supervisor for the series’ songs in Tamil and Telugu. He also believes that Heeramandi is a show, but watching it is as complete and cinematic as watching RRR on the big screen. He added, “I am confident that this series will be a strong contender at the Emmy Primetime Awards.”
steeped in exotica
It was not just the familiar themes of solidarity and freedom that brought RRR across many cultures and languages. That’s how Rajamouli packed it – larger-than-life set designs, thrilling action set pieces and spectacular costumes. Many may have condemned Heeramandi for being subject to the same Western view of exoticism, but dubbing artistes around the world confirm that they expect a grandiose Indian offering. Even with Devdas, instead of sticking to the Bimal Roy (1955) template, Bhansali took Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 1971 Bengali novel and embellished it with his signature colours.
While Katharina Schwarzmayer (German) compared Hiramandi to Netflix’s Bridgerton on a scale of enjoyable escapism, Sopita Rangsiothai (Thai), Flavia Sadie (Faridon, British Portuguese), and Stéphanie Laforgue (French) described the “rich and detailed production design ,” “Sounds amazing.” , Colorful costumes,” beautiful Indian women, and ”stunning hairstyles” are prime ingredients to tell a fascinating story rooted in Indian history and culture. Stephanie exclaims, “After watching Heeramandi, I didn’t feel like wearing my jeans.”
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