Sharmin Segal has been at the center of a whirlwind of controversy since her performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar” premiered on Netflix on May 1. Portraying the character of Alamzeb, the young actor faced an avalanche of criticism, with many branding her acting as “expressionless.” The intensity of the backlash even led Sharmin to disable comments on her Instagram account. However, in a recent interview with News18, she shed light on the depth of her preparation for the role and the personal challenges she encountered along the way.
Sharmin revealed that her portrayal of Alamzeb was heavily inspired by the legendary Meena Kumari, particularly her performance in the classic film “Pakeezah” (1972). She aimed to capture the essence of Meena Kumari’s nuanced and restrained style, which she described as embodying a sense of ‘nothingness.’ Sharmin’s commitment to her craft was evident as she recounted her efforts to watch “Pakeezah” multiple times—15 to 16 attempts, to be precise. She found it difficult to get through the film initially, as it was unlike anything she had seen before, but she persisted because of the profound impact Meena Kumari’s performance had on her.
In her conversation with ETimes, Sharmin discussed her rigorous preparation for the role, which included training in dance and refining her diction. She lauded Sanjay Leela Bhansali for his visionary approach and for elevating the material with his distinctive directorial touch. Despite her dedication, Sharmin’s performance was met with harsh criticism, which she acknowledged during her interview.
Amidst Trolls and Tribulations, Sharmin Segal Finds Strength in Support and Self-Reflection
Facing the negativity head-on, Sharmin spoke candidly about the emotional toll the backlash had on her. She admitted that she tends to be overly critical of herself when she watches her work repeatedly. This self-criticism is compounded by the external trolling, which can be overwhelming. Yet, amidst the waves of negative feedback, Sharmin chose to focus on the positives. She expressed gratitude for the love and support she has received from a section of the audience who appreciated her portrayal of Alamzeb.
In her discussion with Instant Bollywood, Sharmin emphasized that the experience of working on “Heeramandi” was transformative. She shared that the role taught her invaluable lessons and contributed significantly to her growth as an actor. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “I am happy with my performance, and have been receiving a lot of love for Alamzeb. It has been a learning experience. I have grown a lot. I knew on the first day of the set that I would be a completely different person after this shoot ended.”
Sharmin’s perspective on vulnerability and insecurity is particularly noteworthy. She believes that these emotions are not weaknesses but rather integral parts of an actor’s journey. Embracing her insecurities allowed her to connect more deeply with her character and deliver a performance that, despite the criticism, she stands by.
Navigating Criticism: Sharmin’s Journey of Resilience
Ultimately, Sharmin Segal’s experience with “Heeramandi” underscores the complexities of the acting profession. It’s a field where subjective opinions can vary widely, and the same performance can evoke both praise and criticism. Sharmin’s willingness to engage with her critics, learn from the experience, and maintain her commitment to her craft is a testament to her resilience. As she continues to navigate her career, it’s clear that her dedication and passion for acting will remain her guiding stars.
Despite giving her all to the character, Sharmin Segal faced challenges in understanding and portraying Alamzeb’s ‘oblivious innocence’ in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.” Sharmin Segal, in a candid interview, shared her thoughts on embodying Alamzeb. “There were moments when I questioned Alamzeb’s character,” she said. “That’s when I remembered one of my teachers telling me not to judge your character.
I had to empathize with her. For me, her character is pure, and I had to connect to the emotion of love, which for me is purity. I tried to tap into the purity of love for that character. Sharmin Segal also had oblivious innocence, and that’s how I used to be on the set. I am a detail-oriented person; I would take care of the little practicalities, but at the same time, I would try to be carefree.”
Sharmin Segal’s meticulous approach to her character shows her dedication. She delved deeply into the nuances of Alamzeb, striving to balance innocence with the practicalities of her role. This dual focus—on the small details and the overarching emotions—defined her portrayal, even if it wasn’t always appreciated by everyone.
Embracing Feedback: Sharmin on Audience Reactions
Addressing the trolling she has faced since the show’s release, Sharmin Segal remained composed and philosophical. She acknowledged the mixed feedback but chose to see it as part of the creative process. “The audience is the most important part of a creative person’s journey,” she stated. “They have a right to say what they want to say, and with the negativity, positivity also comes. There has been so much love too. The audience’s opinion is very important because I am creating for them. I am open to constructive criticism, love, and support. The fact that I am getting noticed is an even bigger thing for me. When you are reaching so many people, they will say everything.”
Sharmin Segal’s outlook on audience feedback highlights her maturity and understanding of the entertainment industry. She sees value in both praise and criticism, recognizing that engaging a wide audience inevitably brings diverse opinions.
Turning Insecurity into Strength: Sharmin’s Insights
When asked if insecurity pushes her to work harder, Sharmin Segal responded thoughtfully. “It has helped me through the process of Heeramandi. I have become a more secure person after Heeramandi, but I also think that there is some volatility in insecurity. It’s vulnerable, and there is nothing wrong or right with it. We can’t control what comes into our minds, and that’s why judging them is wrong. I don’t think insecurity is wrong. It makes you vulnerable, and people are scared of vulnerability these days. It’s sad, but people are understanding that being vulnerable is about being happy with who they are.”
Sharmin’s insights into insecurity and vulnerability reveal her deep self-awareness. She views insecurity not as a flaw but as an element that fosters growth and authenticity. Sharmin Segal’s approach encourages others to embrace their vulnerabilities rather than fear them.
The response from the industry to Sharmin Segal’s performance has been mixed but supportive. While actors like Sonakshi Sinha and Aditi Rao Hydari have defended her against trolls, Adhyayan Suman advised her to ‘accept reality’ and engage in conversation with the audience. Jayati Bhatia acknowledged the burden of trolling and advised Sharmin to work harder on her future projects.
These varied responses underline the complexities of handling public and professional feedback. Sharmin’s journey through “Heeramandi” has been a significant learning experience, shaping her into a more resilient and introspective artist. Her story is a testament to the challenges and rewards of pursuing a creative career, where each role offers new opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
