New Delhi: The Miss World 2024 pageant transcended traditional boundaries to become a platform for both beauty and cultural exuberance as the 13 talented winners of the fast-track talent round graced the ramp alongside the celebrated cast of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-anticipated Netflix series ‘Heeramandi.’ The Indian filmmaker, known for his cinematic opulence, orchestrated an unforgettable convergence of film and fashion on the Miss World stage.
The star-studded event featured the luminous presence of actresses Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Shaikh, and Sharmin Segal, exemplifying the rich tapestry of Bhansali’s storytelling. The blend of 20 extraordinary women, both contestants and cast, draped in the enchanting costumes from ‘Heeramandi’s’ inaugural song ‘Sakal Ban,’ offered a slice of Indian magnificence to an international audience.
The pageant platform proved to be the perfect backdrop for the global unveil of the song from Bhansali’s new music label, Bhansali Music. With ‘Sakal Ban,’ Bhansali did not just present a musical piece; he curated an experience – an ode to the Indian heritage through enthralling art and soul-stirring music.
The elaborate event, reaching eyes in over 140 countries, saw a symphony of vibrant hues representing Basant, the festival of spring signifying new beginnings and joy. This thematic choice not only showcased Bhansali’s flair for visually stunning motifs but also gave the participants of Miss World a mystical journey into the heart of India’s artistic and cultural dynasty. The song itself, voiced by the skilled Raja Hasan and interwoven with the ageless words of poet Amir Khusro, captivated the audience with its fusion of traditional folk melodies and Bhansali’s trademark dramatic compositions.
Exuding grandeur, the track serves as a harbinger of the lavish experiences to come from the series ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.’ The series promises to capture the same majestic air that has become synonymous with Bhansali’s creations. The impassioned evening at Miss World was but a glimpse into the world of splendor that awaits viewers when the series debuts on Netflix.
A visual feast that garnered widespread admiration, casting a spotlight on the leading ladies of ‘Heeramandi,’ who walked with poise and elegance alongside the world’s most stunning beauties participating in Miss World. The live catwalk event not only showcased the seamless blend of traditional and contemporary styles but also emphasized the universal appeal of Bhansali’s artistry.
Beyond the exquisite clothing and the mellifluous track, the event represented Bhansali’s ambition to transpose his vision of India’s rich cultural palette onto a global canvas. The alluring display at Miss World served as the perfect conduit to share the narratives and historical magnificence that rests within India’s artistic and cultural framework.
Through ‘Sakal Ban’ and the scenic display of ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ in the company of Miss World’s illustrious contestants, Bhansali has set a precedent for cross-industry collaborations that elevate cultural narratives to new heights. It was an exhibition of India’s age-old heritage through the lens of one of its most storied contemporary filmmakers – a blend of the historical and the modern, the artistic and the popular, which will resonate with audiences long after the ramp lights dim.
The shared spotlight of Miss World 2024 and ‘Heeramandi’ heralded not just the entrants of the pageant but also the cultural dimensions they embody. As the anticipation builds for the series’ debut, the memory of the pageant’s unique celebration of Indian heritage and Bhansali’s cinematic greatness will likely linger in the hearts of spectators worldwide, yearning for the diverse and the exceptional to grace their screens once more.
