Farida Jalal says, “Maybe that’s her capacity” to Sharmin’s acting

Veteran actor Farida Jalal, known for her versatile roles in films and television, recently played a crucial role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s series Heeramandi. In an interview with India Today, she addressed the criticism faced by her co-star Sharmin Segal. Jalal expressed her displeasure over the trolling, urging people to be kind. She stated that Sharmin did her best within the character’s requirements, which did not demand a boisterous performance. Farida emphasized, “The role was not meant to be loud. She falls in love with my bacchha (Taha Shah’s character) and that’s it.”

Heeramandi Team Stands by Sharmin Segal

Sharmin Segal faced backlash from some viewers who labeled her performance in Heeramandi as ‘expressionless’ and unsuitable for the role. Many critics suggested that Aditi Rao Hydari would have been a better fit for the character of Alamzeb. Aditi, in an interview with Puja Talwar, condemned the harsh criticism, saying, “It’s horrible to pick on anybody. Criticism can be constructive, but it has become mean. It’s unfair, and it shouldn’t happen.”

Support from Industry Colleagues

Richa Chadha and Shekhar Suman also came out in support of Sharmin. Adhyayan Suman, while maintaining a neutral stance, highlighted the importance of accepting feedback. Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, he advised Sharmin to engage with critics constructively. “It’s important to accept any reality and not live in a bubble. Feedback can be valuable if addressed appropriately,” he noted.

About Heeramandi

Heeramandi, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s OTT debut, is set in the red-light district of Heeramandi in Lahore during the pre-partition era of the 1920s-1940s. The narrative unfolds amid the Indian independence revolution, focusing on the power struggles between courtesans, Nawabs, and British officers. The series features an ensemble cast including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Shekhar Suman, Adhyayan Suman, and Fardeen Khan in pivotal roles.

Heeramandi is available for streaming on Netflix and has garnered significant attention for its bold storytelling and strong performances. Despite the mixed reviews, the series has been officially renewed for a second season, promising more intense drama and intricate narratives.