Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s debut series Heeramandi has once again sparked a debate about nepotism, courtesy of his niece Sharmin Segal’s casting in the newly released Netflix series. Sharmin, the daughter of Bella Bhansali Segal and Deepak Segal, plays the role of Alamzeb in the show, which boasts an ensemble cast of acclaimed actors like Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chadha, Shekhar Suman, and Aditi Rao Hydari.
Amid all the criticism she’s receiving for her portrayal, a recent interview of hers is going viral on Reddit. During a chat with BBC Asian Network, when asked how she puts the pressure of proving herself to the side and concentrate on just playing the role, Sharmin said that she doesn’t take the pressure.
She said, “There is a lot of pressure and sometimes it manifests in weird ways but I have a really good support system and I think my strongest system is my sister. She also happened to be in an AD on the show. It worked out in a way that I do have my outlets where I can vent. In my personal life, I think I’m secure enough to today to be able to come home to my husband and put everything that I’ve done at work aside. I want to prove myself but today, I’m also a realist in that way. We have 1.7 billion people in India itself so after a point, how many people opinions are you gonna shape or control? I’m a very strong advocate for mental health and living life so I do want to do what I want to do and I would love for everyone to love all of it but at the end of the day, there will be people that will say what they have to say.”
Recently, during a promotional appearance on The Great Indian Kapil Show, Sharmin surprised the audience by sharing that she auditioned for her part as Alamzeb, despite being related to Bhansali as his niece.
When Kapil asked, “Kya unhone aapka sach me audition liya tha ya aapne unko mamu banaya?” (Did they truly audition you or did you just leverage your uncle-niece relationship?)”, Sharmin said she underwent a rigorous, year-long journey that included 16 auditions. She revealed on the show, “Ek saal ke liye prepare kiya aur 16 baar auditions diye” (I prepared for a year and gave 16 auditions for the role).”
Sharmin’s portrayal in the show garnered diverse opinions with netizens criticising her as “lacking expression” and labeling her acting as “below par.”
