Sanjay Leela Bhansali Defends Casting Niece Sharmin Segal in Heeramandi Amid Criticism

Renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has come under scrutiny for casting his niece, Sharmin Segal, as Alamzeb in his debut OTT series, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Since its release, the period drama has received mixed reviews, with some fans criticizing Segal's performance as "expressionless" and suggesting alternative actresses like Wamiqa Gabbi.

In response to the criticism, Bhansali has defended his casting choice, emphasizing Segal's "innocent face" and "fresh quality" as key reasons for selecting her for the role. He stated, "She has a face of what Alamzeb should be, somebody who doesn't want to be a tawaif," highlighting that her appearance and demeanor were crucial to the character's portrayal. Bhansali believes that Segal's subtle acting style, characterized by her frequent statement, "Mama, I'll underplay," was a deliberate choice to fit the character's nuanced personality.

Bhansali also addressed allegations of nepotism, clarifying that Segal underwent a rigorous audition process like any other candidate. He rejected the notion that her familial connection influenced his decision, stating, "I didn’t cast her because she's my niece. She had to go through the grind." Bhansali's defense aims to dispel these allegations, citing Segal's suitability for the role.

Segal's character, Alamzeb, is the youngest daughter of Mallikajaan, played by Manisha Koirala, and holds a pivotal position in the series. Alamzeb dreams of becoming a poet and falls in love with Tajdar, portrayed by Taha Shah.

Despite the backlash, Bhansali stands by his decision, expressing confidence in Segal's abilities and the unique qualities she brings to the role. He described her as having "new energy" and a deep respect for the craft, which he finds essential for the new generation of actors.

The debate around Segal's casting has reignited discussions about nepotism in Bollywood, a topic that has long been contentious. While Bhansali's defense aims to dispel these allegations, it remains to be seen whether Segal's performance will win over her critics as the series progresses.

Key Takeaways

• Sanjay Leela Bhansali defends casting niece Sharmin Segal in Heeramandi amid criticism.
• Bhansali praises Segal's "innocent face" and "fresh quality" for the role of Alamzeb.
• Segal underwent a rigorous audition process, rejecting allegations of nepotism.
• Bhansali stands by his decision, citing Segal's unique qualities and respect for the craft.
• The debate reignites discussions about nepotism in Bollywood and its impact on the series.