Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-anticipated web series, ‘Heeramandi’, hit Netflix screens on May 1, 2024, captivating audiences with its compelling narrative and stunning visuals. The series, penned by Divya Nidhi and Vibhu Puri, and featuring Bhansali’s signature grandeur in set design, has garnered widespread acclaim.
Critics lauded the series for its rich character development, a rarity in many productions where supporting roles are often sidelined. Bhansali’s meticulous casting, featuring industry stalwarts like Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, and Aditi Rao Hydari, ensured each character had a chance to shine.
Among the stellar cast, Indresh Malik’s portrayal of ‘Ustadji’ stood out, earning him praise and admiration from viewers.
Despite being a supporting character, Ustadji’s role evolved into one of the most pivotal in the series, thanks to Indresh Malik’s compelling performance.
As audiences flocked to watch ‘Heeramandi’, interest in Malik surged. Despite his modest social media following, fans sought him out, flooding his Instagram with heartfelt messages praising his work.
One fan from Lahore commended Malik’s performance, while another hailed him as the standout actor of the series, deserving of accolades and awards. The outpouring of love and recognition from viewers marked a special moment for Malik, validating his talent and dedication.
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In a revealing interview, Ustad Ji aka Indresh Malik shared insights into his collaboration with Bhansali, recounting a touching gesture from the director.
Before a crucial scene, Bhansali gifted Malik a bottle of perfume, a symbolic gesture of support. During an emotional moment on set, Bhansali’s comforting embrace and a symbolic gift of Rs. 500 further affirmed Malik’s talent and significance to the project.
“There is a scene in the series in which Sonakshi ji makes me wear a nose ring. She does this with great love. Sir explained to me what it is like, what it means and what I have to do. I had to cry in that scene. When I exited after that scene, I did not stop crying, it continued for 5 minutes. So everyone came to me and when he said cut, I couldn’t stop crying. Then sir came to me and said what happened, shut up and then he hugged me. He gave me Rs 500 for the first time and said this is for you. It was a big thing for me. A note of Rs 500 is given by a guru to his disciple. This is a form of his blessings.”
With a diverse portfolio spanning television and web series, including acclaimed titles like ‘Home Shanti’ and ‘Pataal Lok’, Malik’s journey to prominence in ‘Heeramandi’ is a testament to his skill and perseverance. As audiences continue to discover Bhansali’s magnum opus, Malik’s performance serves as a reminder of the depth and nuance supporting actors bring to the screen.
Have you experienced the allure of ‘Heeramandi’? Share your thoughts on Indresh Malik’s unforgettable portrayal of ‘Ustadji’.
