The entertainment industry is no stranger to controversies and the recent buzz around one of its upcoming talents, Sharmin Segal, has put an old debate back into the limelight. Amid the glittering tales of Bollywood, Sharmin Segal, niece of esteemed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, finds herself answering questions on preferential treatment and scrutiny. In a recent candid interaction with The Indian Express, Segal addressed whether her familial ties with Bhansali had any influence during the making of the much-talked-about series “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.”
Sharmin Segal was unequivocal in her response about the professional boundaries that exist between her and her uncle on set. “I don’t get any leeways. He loves me a lot, I’m not going to deny that. There are days when he’ll look at me like ‘Sharmin, his niece’ when I’m just sitting. When I look at him on a set, I don’t look at him as my uncle. I look at him as Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and that’s the respect he has earned throughout his life. I can’t take that away just because I’m related to him. I also can’t change the fact that I’m related to him,” she asserted.
Sharmin and her sister, Simran Segal, who served as an assistant director, have maintained a level of professionalism in their interactions, referring to Bhansali as “Sanjay sir” in public, emphasizing their respect for his role beyond family relations. This conduct reinforces her belief in merit and respect within the industry’s framework.
Acknowledging her position as Bhansali’s niece, Sharmin disclosed a personal revelation, articulating how she only realized Bhansali was her “mama” when she turned 18, after being moved by his directorial triumph “Devdas,” which featured Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Madhuri Dixit.
Addressing challenges beyond the film set, Segal didn’t shy away from discussing how she confronts criticism and cyberbullying. During a podcast with BBC Asian Network, she opened up about the rigors of online trolling and the inherent pressures of proving oneself in the industry. “There is a lot of pressure and sometimes it manifests in weird ways. But I have a really good support system. I think my strongest support system is my sister (Simran Segal),” Segal recounted.
Sharmin stands as a stalwart advocate of mental health and believes that while striving for success is necessary, dwelling on the opinions of critics is not conducive to well-being. She firmly stated, “I do want to do what I want to do and I would love for everyone to love Alamzeb (her character). But, at the end of the day, there will be people who have to say what they have to say.”
Sharmin Segal made her striking entry into Bollywood with the film “Malaal,” which was produced by Bhansali. Her journey has been subject to intense scrutiny, given her connection to the distinguished filmmaker. Despite the challenges, Segal maintains an aura of determination and realism, focusing on her craft rather than the noise that often comes hand in hand with fame and family ties.
With “Heeramandi” now available for streaming on Netflix, viewers have the opportunity to witness Sharmin’s talent and decide for themselves the merit of her performance, devoid of prejudice. As the series garners attention and critiques, one thing remains clear – Sharmin Segal is focused on making a name for herself, powered by her own ambition and the quality of her work, not just her lineage.
For those inclined to delve deeper into Sharmin Segal’s thoughts on coping with industry pressures, further insights can be gleaned from her commentary on the BBC Asian Network podcast. Meanwhile, the DNA app, graced with the latest updates and articles from the world of entertainment, invites fans to engage further and share their opinions on the unfolding narratives of Bollywood.
