Sanjay Leela Bhansali DEFENDS Sharmin Segal’s casting in Heeramandi: “She was the correct choice for Alamzeb” : Bollywood News

Acclaimed director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has addressed the online criticism surrounding actress Sharmin Segal's performance in his recently released web series, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. The period drama, which debuted on May 1, received a mix of positive and negative reviews. While the overall production design and performances were praised, some viewers expressed disappointment with Sharmin’s portrayal of the character Alamzeb.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali DEFENDS Sharmin Segal’s casting in Heeramandi: “She was the correct choice for Alamzeb”

Nepotism Claims and Audition Process:

Social media criticism targeted Sharmin, with some accusing SLB of nepotism due to her being his niece. However, the director has firmly denied these claims. In a recent interview with India Today, he clarified that Sharmin underwent a rigorous audition process just like any other candidate.

Qualities for Alamzeb:

The filmmaker explained his casting choice: "She has a face of what Alamzeb should be - somebody who doesn't want to be a tawaif or has no makings of it. You needed somebody with a very fresh, innocent quality to her, somebody who doesn't talk like a tawaif. And that person wants to break free with some pursuit of wanting to write poetry. So, I felt that Sharmin was the correct choice for Alamzeb."

Equal Treatment and Training:

Bhansali further explained that Sharmin received no special treatment due to their familial connection. "I didn’t cast her because she's my niece. She had to go through the grind," he said. "There were innumerable number of tests and auditions. There was no end to the number of tests I've done with her. After I've decided to cast her, then I said you have to go through the grind, you have to get it right. Because this is a world you've never been to. You've never acted in a world like that. All these other actors on the show have worked over the period of time in a film like this or a character like this. They have understood all these nazakat and thumka and nakhra.'"

On a similar note, it is worth mentioning here that previously, Sharmin confirmed undergoing 16 auditions and a year of dedicated preparation for the role.

Also Read: Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Heeramandi and his journey: “This story needed time and the right format”