Sharmin Segal on 'Heeramandi' director: "Sanjay sir definitely spoils us as an actor & brings out the most..."

The cast of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's highly-anticipated show 'Heeramandi' is currently immersed in a whirlwind of promotions as they eagerly prepare for the show's release. The web series, a magical tale set in the pre-Independence era, stars the talented ensemble of Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Richa Chadha, and Sharmin Segal in pivotal roles. Recently, India Forums had the privilege of engaging in a candid conversation with Sharmin, who portrays the character of Alamzeb in the show, about her experiences and her admiration for Sanjay Leela Bhansali as a director. 

When questioned, I recently had the opportunity to interview a cast member of the film "Chamkila," who shared insights about working with Imtiaz Ali and how directors like them tend to spoil actors by instilling a sense of perfection and depth in their craft. Do you feel Sanjay Leela Bhansali spoils actors in a similar manner?

To this Sharmin stated, "I mean, I feel like he definitely spoils us as an actor, but he also brings out the most potential from us. I think that if you can work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali in any capacity, assistant director, art director, cinematographer, or actor, your skills get refined to such a degree that when you go out to work with other directors, it works as an advantage."

She reflected, "Of course, the amount that Sanjay sir gives you and Imtiaz sir probably gives the actors that have worked with him, the realness that he wants to bring out of their actors, it's very easy for us to even adapt to that realism because they tell us exactly what they need from us letting us also do what we need to do."

She added, "But again when you work with masters of this level, your skills only get more polished and more refined to be able to go out and execute a more holistic performance in an environment that probably doesn't give you the same foundation or base level as Sanjay Leela Bhansali."

'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazar' is set to stream on Netflix starting May 1st.