Since the release of “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar” in May, Sharmin Segal, niece of renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, has found herself in the spotlight. Unfortunately, not all the attention has been positive. Many viewers took to social media to criticize what they perceived as Sharmin’s “expressionless” acting in the series. Now, after a month of enduring the backlash, Sharmin has decided to address the hate.
Sharmin Segal Talks Trolling and Triumphs
In an interview, Sharmin revealed that while there have been many positive responses to her performance, the negative comments seemed to overshadow them. She expressed, “I had given my all to Alamzeb’s character. We tend to fixate on the negatives but there are so many positives that have also come along, which we don’t talk about.”
Initially, Sharmin chose to avoid discussions surrounding her character, Alamzeb, and the harsh comments flooding her social media. However, after some contemplation, she decided to pay attention to what the viewers had to say.
Sharmin Segal’s Co-Stars Standing By Her Side
Sharmin’s co-stars and others associated with the series also stepped in to defend her. Sanjay Leela Bhansali himself spoke up in support of his niece, emphasizing that Sharmin embodied the innocence and freshness required for Alamzeb’s character. He believed she was the perfect fit for the role.
Other cast members, like Taha Shah and Aditi Rao Hydari, echoed similar sentiments. Taha Shah, having worked closely with Sharmin, attested to her dedication as an actor. Aditi Rao Hydari condemned the act of trolling, emphasizing the importance of kindness and empathy.
Looking to the Future
Despite the challenges, “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar” has received acclaim and was recently renewed for a second season. Sanjay Leela Bhansali revealed plans for the next installment, sharing that it would follow the journey of women transitioning from Lahore to the film industry in Mumbai and Kolkata post-Partition.
Sharmin Segal’s journey with “Heeramandi” has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by both praise and criticism. However, through it all, she remains resilient, determined to focus on the positives and continue growing as an actor. As the series gears up for another season, Sharmin’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and staying true to oneself in the face of adversity.
