Bollywood’s ace filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is currently basking under the success of his recently released web series, which is winning hearts. Meanwhile, Sharmin, who made her acting debut with the 2019 film ‘Malaal‘, was re-launched in ‘Heeramandi‘.
In the series, Sharmin plays Alamzeb, the daughter of Heeramandi brothel madam Mallikajaan (Manisha Koirala).However, the audience has criticized her for a rather weak performance, claiming that she stood out among the more seasoned cast. Sharmin has faced internet abuse due to perceptions that she underplayed the character of Alamzeb. Additionally, internet users were divided on the subject of nepotism following what they deemed a ‘bad’ performance.
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Bhansali opened up on how he worked with Sharmin on the sets. The filmmaker mentioned that she kept saying, “Mama, I’ll underplay,” to which he responded, “Underplay? Are you thinking I’m going to ask you to overplay?”
Bhansali further added that he found her “new energy” fascinating. He acknowledged that the new generation of actors loves him as much, evident in the way they ask, “Are you happy? Should we do one more take? Can we do it one more time? Are you okay?” He noted that he can see that love in their eyes, which he finds very rare.
‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ is set in the backdrop of the Indian independence movement of the 1920s-40s. The battle between the courtesans in Lahore’s red-light district, Heera Mandi, and the British Raj officials is depicted in this epic drama.
The series stars Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sharmin Segal, Fardeen Khan, Shekhar Suman and Adhyayan Suman in pivotal roles.
In the series, Sharmin plays Alamzeb, the daughter of Heeramandi brothel madam Mallikajaan (Manisha Koirala).However, the audience has criticized her for a rather weak performance, claiming that she stood out among the more seasoned cast. Sharmin has faced internet abuse due to perceptions that she underplayed the character of Alamzeb. Additionally, internet users were divided on the subject of nepotism following what they deemed a ‘bad’ performance.
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Bhansali opened up on how he worked with Sharmin on the sets. The filmmaker mentioned that she kept saying, “Mama, I’ll underplay,” to which he responded, “Underplay? Are you thinking I’m going to ask you to overplay?”
Bhansali further added that he found her “new energy” fascinating. He acknowledged that the new generation of actors loves him as much, evident in the way they ask, “Are you happy? Should we do one more take? Can we do it one more time? Are you okay?” He noted that he can see that love in their eyes, which he finds very rare.
‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ is set in the backdrop of the Indian independence movement of the 1920s-40s. The battle between the courtesans in Lahore’s red-light district, Heera Mandi, and the British Raj officials is depicted in this epic drama.
The series stars Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sharmin Segal, Fardeen Khan, Shekhar Suman and Adhyayan Suman in pivotal roles.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali EXCLUSIVE on ETimes: The secrets of Heeramandi and the magic of his lens in Bollywood
