Even when director Sanjay Leela Bhansali was working on 'Gangubai Kathiawadi', he was planning his his next venture titled 'Heera Mandi'. Now that 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' has been wrapped up, SLB can focus his attention on 'Heera Mandi'. Both projects have a similar theme as they are set against the backdrop of brothels and sex workers.

'Heera Mandi' is set to have an ensemble cast of several A list actresses. Till some time ago, only Huma Qureshi was officially attached to the project but latest reports suggest that actress Sonakshi Sinha has also come aboard. A source close to the development shared, "More than Sonakshi herself it’s her father who has been most keen that she work with Bhansali. Sonakshi did a Bhansali production earlier Rowdy Rathod. She will now be playing one of the protagonists in Heera Mandi.”

The actresses will have to take lessons for the mujra sequences which are going to be fresh and unique. The source stated, "Sanjay Leela Bhansali wants the songs music and dances in Heera Mandi to be unique. While it is true that he is inspired by Pakeezaah he wants Heera Mandi to have a completely different look, never seen before in any cinema on the kotha culture.”