‘Heeramandi’ Series Sparks Controversy with ‘Peer e Kamil’ Reference

News Desk
Islamabad: “Heeramandi,” the latest Netflix series directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, has been making waves in both India and Pakistan.
Set in Lahore before Independence, the series has been a passion project for Bhansali, undergoing several years of development and cast changes before its release.
Notably, actors Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, and Imran Abbas were initially rumored to join the cast at various stages of production.
Despite its anticipation, “Heeramandi” has received mixed reviews since its release.
However, it recently sparked controversy when it featured a scene referencing “Peer e Kamil,” a superhit Urdu novel by Umera Ahmed. Published in 2004, “Peer e Kamil” has achieved cult status, particularly for its protagonist, Salar Sikandar, who has garnered widespread adoration.
The inclusion of “Peer e Kamil” in a series set in the pre-Independence era raised eyebrows among audiences, highlighting anachronistic elements.
Nevertheless, the convergence of these cultural touchstones has sparked discussion and debate among fans of both the series and the novel.