Farida Jalal, known for her versatile roles, recently defended her Heeramandi co-star, Sharmin Segal, in an interview with India Today. She addressed the criticism faced by Sharmin, urging people to be kind and consider that everyone has their own capacity as an actor. Farida emphasized that being mean towards Sharmin is unnecessary, as she believes Sharmin did justice to her role as a shayara in the series. The veteran actor expressed her disappointment at the trolling faced by Sharmin and highlighted that it’s important to understand and support each other in the industry.
Heeramandi, a web series by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is set in the backdrop of the red-light district of Heeramandi in Lahore during pre-partition India. The storyline revolves around the power struggle between courtesans, Nawabs, and British officers during the Indian independence revolution of the 1920s-1940s. The show features a star-studded cast, including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Shekhar Suman, and others. The series has been officially renewed for a second season and is available for streaming on Netflix.
Sharmin Segal, who portrays the character of Alamzeb in Heeramandi, received criticism for her performance, being labeled as ‘expressionless’ and the wrong choice for the role. However, amidst the backlash, several co-stars, including Richa Chadha, Taha Shah Badussha, and Aditi Rao Hydari, have come forward to defend Sharmin. Farida Jalal’s support adds to the chorus of voices advocating for kindness and understanding in the face of trolling and negativity directed towards actors in the industry.
In another development, Sharmin Segal shared in an interview that her portrayal in Heeramandi was inspired by the legendary actress Meena Kumari and her performance in the film Pakeezah. She revealed that she attempted to capture the ‘nothingness’ and subtlety of Meena Kumari’s acting in her character of Alamzeb. Despite the challenges of embodying such a character, Sharmin expressed her dedication and commitment to the role.
The support from industry veterans like Farida Jalal and the resilience displayed by Sharmin Segal in the face of criticism highlight the complexities and challenges faced by actors in portraying nuanced characters. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it is crucial to foster a culture of empathy and support for artists navigating the demands of their craft.