Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web series ‘Heera Mandi’ has quickly risen to prominence. It became the most-watched Indian series on Netflix and trended in the top 10 in 43 countries, with nearly 4.5 million viewers in its first week. Despite its success, the series has sparked significant controversy.
A prominent Pakistani lawyer, Barrister Amir Aziz, has issued a legal notice to both Bhansali and Netflix, claiming that ‘Heera Mandi’ defames Pakistani culture. The barrister demands $1 billion in damages and has given a 15-day ultimatum for an apology and compensation. Failure to meet these demands will result in a lawsuit in international court.
The legal notice accuses the series of misrepresenting facts and defaming the culture of Lahore, alleging that it was produced as part of a conspiracy to tarnish Pakistani culture. It further contends that neither the Pakistani nor the Punjab provincial government granted permission to produce the series, which has already been banned in Pakistan.
Barrister Aziz, known for his involvement in public interest cases in Pakistan, has stated that if the demands are unmet, he will initiate legal action in the International Court of Justice.
