Indresh Malik, known for his role as Ustaadji in Netflix’s Heeramandi, recently shared his experience of filming an intimate scene with co-star Jason Shah, who played the British officer Cartwright. Indresh confessed that he initially felt hesitant about the scene due to his lack of experience with male intimacy. However, his trust in the renowned director Sanjay Leela Bhansali helped him overcome his apprehensions.
In an interview, Indresh spoke about his approach to the challenging scene. “When it comes to my director, I trust, I surrender. It was very important for me to understand what Sanjay wanted out of me in that performance,” he said. Despite his initial nervousness, Indresh maintained a balance of confidence and humility. He wanted to deliver a performance that met the director’s vision without appearing overconfident.
Building Comfort with Co-Star
To ease the tension, Indresh took time to converse with Jason Shah, ensuring they both felt comfortable before filming the intimate scene. This preparation helped them perform naturally and authentically. The director encouraged them to improvise within the scene’s boundaries, allowing for a more organic interaction. Indresh recounted how, towards the end of the scene, when Jason’s character lifts him up, he spontaneously expressed whatever came to mind, enhancing the scene’s authenticity.
Indresh also recalled a touching moment from another scene, known as the ‘Nath’ scene, which left a significant impact on him. In a previous interview, he shared how Sanjay Leela Bhansali was deeply moved by his performance. As a token of appreciation, the director gave Indresh Rs 500. The ‘nath’ scene, where his character feels accepted and respected, was particularly emotional for Indresh. He described how, after the scene, he was overcome with emotion and cried uncontrollably on set. Bhansali’s words, “Dekho, rota jaa raha hai, itna achaa toh kiya” (Look, he keeps crying, he did so well), along with a heartfelt hug and the monetary gift, made the moment unforgettable for Indresh.
Indresh Malik Shared His Experience
This experience left a lasting impression on Indresh. The combination of overcoming his initial hesitation, trusting in his director, and receiving such heartfelt appreciation, made his journey on Heeramandi both challenging and rewarding. The intimate scene with Jason Shah, though daunting at first, turned out to be a significant moment in his acting career. Indresh’s ability to embrace the role, trust in the process, and perform with authenticity is a testament to his dedication as an actor.
Indresh Malik’s experience on Heeramandi highlights the complexities actors often face when stepping out of their comfort zones. His story is a reminder of the importance of trust, preparation, and the emotional depth that can emerge from embracing challenging roles. For Indresh, the journey was not just about performing a scene but about growth, trust, and the profound impact of heartfelt appreciation.
