Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s debut Netflix series, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, has been receiving mixed response ever since its release earlier this month. While some are praising the show for its sheer opulence and grand visuals, others are criticising it for alleged historical inaccuracies. In a recent interaction, Sanjeeda Shaikh, who portrays the role of Waheeda in the show, shared her views on the criticism.
Speaking to Bollywood Bubble, Sanjeeda shared, “There are different type of people. I think we should focus on the positive. As a maker, Sanjay is respected in the industry for his brilliant mind and he is so honest and authentic with his thoughts that nobody can match him. We have done our job and people have loved us so I don’t really care whether other people didn’t like it. You can say whatever you want. Even to criticise it, you had to watch it. You can say whatever you want but I am super proud of Heeramandi’s journey.”
Earlier, Sonakshi Sinha, who plays the antagonist in the show, also defended Bhansali. She said that the show is inspired by the real place Heeramandi in Lahore but ultimately it’s a fictional world created by Bhansali. She told ETimes, “He’s selling you the idea of a dream and a vision, and that’s what he’s known for.”
Apart from this, Bhansali’s ‘Heeramandi’ has sparked a debate about nepotism, courtesy of his niece Sharmin Segal’s casting. Sharmin, the daughter of Bella Bhansali Segal and Deepak Segal, plays the role of Alamzeb in the show.
While Manisha, Sonakshi and Aditi have been getting much love and appreciation for their solid performances, Sharmin has been receiving a volley of criticism for “holding the same expression” throughout the show. A section of the internet claims that “nepotism got her this role”. Following the constant negativity that she’s been getting on social media, Sharmin has turned off comments on her Instagram account.
Sharmin made her acting debut with Bhansali’s production ‘Malaal’ in 2019. The film co-starred Meezan Jafri. Having closely worked with Bhansali as an assistant director on projects like Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani and Gangubai Kathiawadi, Sharmin went on to star in the horror comedy ‘Atithi Bhooto Bhava’.
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