Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s niece, Sharmin Segal, has found herself at the center of a controversy following her comments during a promotional interview for the Netflix series Heeramandi. The show, which began streaming on May 1, features Segal alongside an ensemble cast that includes Sanjeeda Shaikh and Richa Chadha. However, a recent video from a promotional event for Heeramandi has gone viral, sparking a wave of criticism against Segal for her remarks that many have deemed ‘disrespectful’ to her co-star, Sanjeeda Shaikh.
In an interview hosted by News18 Showsha, the three actresses were asked about their experiences working with the critically acclaimed director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his works such as Devdas and Bajirao Mastani. Sanjeeda Shaikh praised Bhansali, calling him “a perfectionist,” and elaborated on her admiration for his artistic approach.
“He is just a perfectionist. He wants everything to look not mediocre because whatever he does is nothing less than excellence. He is respected all around the world for his brilliant creative mind and incisive honesty towards his craft. He will expect his artist to give that honesty on screen. So I enjoyed all sorts of roops of Mr. Bhansali,” Shaikh said during the interview.
However, Sharmin Segal interjected, contradicting Shaikh’s description of Bhansali. “I think perfectionist is a very basic word to describe Sanjay Leela Bhansali. It’s the kind of a word that an outsider who has never worked with him, been on his set and seen the kind of director that he is will use. He is much more than that. He adapts to change very well. He keeps challenging through different things. It is not about being perfect. He looks for rawness, magic, spontaneity.
. If he was only a perfectionist, he would not treat spontaneity the way he does,” Segal asserted.
The tense exchange soon caught the attention of netizens, many of whom were quick to criticize Segal for her tone and choice of words. The backlash was swift and harsh, with viewers accusing her of undermining Shaikh’s views and being excessively defensive about her uncle.
One social media user commented, “She is so insecure and jealous, such a personality that’s hard to work with.” Another user remarked, “Only nepotism babies will have the guts to be so rude to a co-star after delivering the worst performance in the entire series.” Others highlighted perceived inconsistencies in Segal’s defense of Bhansali’s directorial style. “Sharmin Segal delivered a terrible performance and is being too arrogant by defending her overrated filmmaker uncle. Most of his films wouldn’t have looked so fabricated and flashy had he looked for rawness and spontaneity,” read another comment.
Indeed, Segal’s performance in Heeramandi has been met with mixed reviews. Critics and audiences alike have weighed in, with some praising her potential while others noted that her portrayal lacked depth. The weight of living up to her uncle’s illustrious name may be adding to the challenges she faces in the public and critical eye.
Beyond the public spat, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, which features the lives and struggles of courtesans in pre-independence India, has been otherwise received well for its opulent production design and intricate storytelling. Alongside Sanjeeda Shaikh and Sharmin Segal, the series also stars veteran actress Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Richa Chadha in pivotal roles.
The controversy arising from the interview raises broader questions about the dynamics between industry veterans and newcomers, particularly those perceived to benefit from nepotism. In an industry where relationships and respect play crucial roles, moments like these highlight the delicate balance performers must maintain.
For Sharmin Segal, the public fallout from her remarks serves as a stark reminder of the scrutiny actors face in their off-screen interactions just as intensely as their on-screen performances. The backlash could potentially influence her professional trajectory in the industry, but time will tell if she can navigate past this and carve out her own niche separate from her uncle’s shadow.
Meanwhile, fans and critics alike will continue to watch closely, both the unfolding dynamics of Heeramandi’s cast and crew and the broader cultural conversations about respect, merit, and the place of nepotism in Bollywood. As the dialogue continues, it’s clear that the nuances of such controversies extend far beyond a single interview, reflecting the complex fabric of the entertainment industry.
