After facing extensive criticism and harsh trolling on social media, veteran filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has finally responded to the performance of his niece, Sharmin Segal, in his new series, 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar'.
Bhansali, renowned for his meticulous approach and blockbuster films featuring top talents like Aishwarya Rai, Deepika Padukone, and Ranveer Singh, cast Segal in the role of Alamzeb in the Netflix series. However, Segal has been widely criticized for her perceived bland and expressionless acting, with viewers questioning her lengthy role, which they attribute to her relation to Bhansali.
In a recent interview, Bhansali addressed the performance of the ensemble cast, including Segal, in the highly anticipated series. While he chose not to directly address the criticism of her acting, Bhansali praised Segal's work. He mentioned, "She kept saying, 'Mama, I’ll underplay.' I said, 'Underplay? Are you thinking I’m going to ask you to overplay?'"
Discussing the new energy brought by the younger generation of actors, Bhansali expressed appreciation for their dedication and love for their craft. He noted, "I know that they [the new generation of actors] love me as much. I can see it in the way [they ask me], 'Are you happy? Should we do one more take? Can we do it one more time? Are you okay?' I can see that love in their eyes. Now that’s very rare."
Sharmin Segal had previously assisted her uncle Bhansali on blockbuster films like 'Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela', 'Bajirao Mastani', and 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' before making her on-screen debut in his production 'Malaal' and securing a significant role in 'Heeramandi'.
Meanwhile, 'Heeramandi', an eight-part Netflix series by Bhansali, explores the lives of six courtesans portrayed by Sonakshi Sinha, Sharmin Segal, Richa Chadha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Manisha Koirala, and Sanjeeda Sheikh in the red-light district of Lahore.
