Heeramandi AD Says It's 'Unfortunate' That The Audience Couldn't Relate To Sharmin Segal's Performance

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s debut series Heeramandi 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, played 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.

In a recent interview, Snehil Dixit Mehra, the additional director of Heeramandi, admitted that the trolling of actress Sharmin Segal went too far. Speaking to Hindustan Times, Mehra said fans can critique work, but personal attacks are unacceptable. She said that everyone, including Segal, gave their best effort and that Segal fulfilled Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s vision. It’s ‘unfortunate’, she said, that viewers couldn’t relate to it.

Snehil noted that some people appreciated Sharmin’s subtle performance and admired her voice, but negativity tends to get more attention. “It’s just the negativity gets highlighted more,” she said.

While Manisha, Sonakshi, and Aditi received much love and appreciation for their strong performances, Sharmin faced a barrage of criticism for “holding the same expression” throughout the show. A section of the internet claimed that “nepotism got her this role.” Following the constant negativity on social media, Sharmin turned off comments on her latest post featuring a photo of her posing with Sanjay Leela Bhansali at the Los Angeles premiere of Heeramandi.

Manisha, Sonakshi, and Aditi received praise for their performances, but Sharmin faced criticism for “holding the same expression” throughout the show. Some online comments suggested “nepotism got her this role.” Due to the negative comments, Sharmin disabled comments on her recent post with Sanjay Leela Bhansali at the Los Angeles premiere of Heeramandi.

In an exclusive conversation with News18 Showsha, Sharmin had said, “The audience is the king at the end of the day. And as a creative person, it’s very important to acknowledge that. They have a right to their opinion – positive or negative. That’s one thing that gives me perspective and allows me to be okay.”