What happens when a leader in the entertainment industry and a creative visionary collaborate? The answer was a one-of-a-kind conversation.

Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix, and award-winning Indian auteur Sanjay Leela Bhansali met in Mumbai to discuss the expanding world of Indian and global storytelling, how variety and diversity in stories were evolving audiences‘ tastes, and the impact on viewing habits around the world. During the meeting, the two talked about new formats, creative collaborations, and the importance of nurturing creativity.

The pair discussed their shared love of films and television shows, the global scope of their vision, and their desire to continue creating memorable entertainment that people remember long after they’ve seen it.

They shared some of their favorite stories and sources of inspiration that have influenced their lives. The discussion on creativity concluded with an exclusive and much-anticipated preview of what’s to come from Bhansali’s first global drama series, ‘Heeramandi’ starred by Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal, and Sanjeeda Sheikh.

As per a press note, the series delves into the cultural reality of ‘Heeramandi’, a dazzling district, through the stories of courtesans and their patrons set against the turbulent backdrop of the 1940s Indian freedom struggle.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s signature style of larger-than-life stories, intricate and soulful characters, and rippling dynamics of a world rife with conflict during a defining period for India is on display in Heeramandi, a mix of love, betrayal, succession, and politics in the kothas (house of courtesans).

‘Heeramandi’, like all of the auteur’s creations, will have unique compositions and music that, like his stories, will linger with the audience.

Sarandos praised Bhansali’s vision, saying, “Audiences want stories that allow them to escape and connect, and Sanjay is a fantastic storyteller who does both. Heeramandi, like all of Sanjay’s stories, is about style and substance working together. Our responsibility to creators at Netflix is to provide them with the tools they need to complete their life’s work and to empower them to bring their vision to life. We’re excited to work with a visionary like Sanjay to bring Heeramandi to a global audience.”

Sanjay Leela Bhansali said, “Heeramandi has a special place in my heart as it has stayed with me for 14 years. The most compelling aspect of storytelling for me is the opportunity to represent real characters, especially women, and portray their emotions with interesting nuances. The women of Heeramandi are queens in their own right, and my effort with this story is to bring these historic characters to life with a modern approach. Netflix made this possible for us by nurturing and making an artist as me feel at home.”