Known for his massive body of work and meticulous approach, Sanjay Leela Bhansali brings out the best in every performer, whether it’s Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, Aishwarya Rai, Rani Mukerji, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, or the most recent cast of “Heermandi.”
His niece Segal, who played Alamzeb in the Netflix series, has drawn criticism for her lifeless and uninspired performance and has even been called the weakest member of the experienced ensemble. In addition, viewers questioned Bhansali’s decision to give her a long role based only on their relationship with her.
Bhansali opted to compliment Segal’s performance rather than respond to the criticism directed at her acting. She kept repeating, ‘Mama, I’ll underplay,'” he remarked. “Underplay?” I asked. Do you believe I’ll ask you to play up too much?
SLB asserted, “I know that they [the new generation of actors] love me as much,” in reference to the “new energy” that the younger players had brought to the table. It’s evident to me from the way people ask me, “Are you happy?” Do you think we should try again? Might we try it again? Are things going well for you? That love is visible in their eyes. Now that is truly uncommon.
Read more:Sharmin Segal Lands Lead Role in New SLB Project!
For the unversed, Segal also assisted her uncle, veteran filmmaker Bhansali, on blockbusters like ‘Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela’, ‘Bajirao Mastani’ and ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, before making her on-screen debut in his production ‘Malaal’ and bagging the key role in his series.
In the meantime, the eight-part SLB Netflix series “Heeramandi” chronicles the lives of six courtesans in Lahore’s red-light district, as portrayed by Sonakshi Sinha, Sharmin Segal, Richa Chadha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Manisha Koirala, and Sanjeeda Sheikh.