If a report in Tellychakkar is to be believed, then Dixit and Rekha would be on the same screen after the 2001 Lajja for the project. The venture, which would be about how courtesans rose to power during the pre-Independence era of Lahore’s Heeramandi, would have both the actresses play courtesans.

However, according to a report on IWM Buzz.com, that may not be the case. “Firstly, just to get the facts right, Rekha and Dixit were not cast together in Lajja. Yes, they featured in the film but were cast in two different sections of Lajja and had no scenes together.”

“Secondly, to set the record straight, neither Rekha nor Dixit has been approached for Heeramandi.”

Reacting to what he describes as “fantasy casting” Bhansali says, “Just because we are not refuting any of the speculative reports on the casting, the portals are going berserk doing their own casting for my film. Every day I wake up to hear who is in Heeramandi.”

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Details are yet awaited and there is no confirmation from the team on the matter of the cast yet. However, this is not the first time that Dixit’s name has come up for Heeramandi. Claims of inside information are that she will be a part of the project. Other names on this grand project are speculated to be Sonakshi Sinha, Deepika Padukone, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit and Parineeti Chopra, all in pivotal roles.

Reportedly, Alia Bhatt was eager enough to be a part of the project to do any part for free. However, she may now be considered with full reimbursement.

The show is said to explore stories of courtesans and the hidden cultural reality of Lahore’s Heeramandi during pre-independence India. The series is touted to be about love, betrayal, succession and politics.

We currently await the release of Alia Bhatt-starrer Gangubai Kathiawadi by the filmmaker.

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