“Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,” directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, has been the talk of the town since its release on Netflix. The series, spanning eight episodes, has received mixed reviews. While many admire the lavish sets and aesthetic appeal, others found the story lacking. Some even questioned the casting of Bhansali’s niece, Sharmin Segal, as ‘Alamzeb’.
During an interview with News18 Showsha, actress Sanjeeda Shaikh, who portrays ‘Waheeda’ in the series, shared her insights on working with Bhansali.
She described him as a “perfectionist,” praising his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
“He’s just a perfectionist I think, and he just wants everything to look not mediocre, but because whatever he does is nothing less than excellence and he’s somebody who’s like respected all around the world for his brilliant creative mind, for his incisive advocacy and honesty to the craft, what he puts in. He’ll expect his artist to give at least honesty on-screen. I enjoyed all sorts of roops of Mr Bhansali, and he’s somebody who’s very expressive, if he doesn’t like it he doesn’t like it, and if he likes it he’s very effusive with his praise, and he’ll validate you with all you know in front of people, so I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and I think I’m a confident person I’m more confident after working with sir and surely a better performer.”
Sharmin Segal’s Reacts To Sanjeeda’s remark
Following Shaikh’s comments, Sharmin Segal offered her perspective, suggesting that “perfectionist” is a simplistic label for her uncle. She believes that those who have never seen him work might use such a term.
“I think perfectionist is a very basic word to use to describe Sanjay Leela Bhansali, it’s what a outsider, who has never worked with him and never been on his set and never seen the kind of director that he is would use that kind of word because I think it is far more than that. He adapts to change very well, he keeps challenging himself to different things. It’s not all about being perfect cuz he looks for rawness he looks for magic he looks for spontaneity, and if he was a perfectionist, if he was only a perfectionist, he would not treat spontaneity and instinctively the way he does.”
Segal remarked.
“He’s a very hardworking man who is very whose perseverance is unmatched; therefore, when you have to give your 100% to match up to that level, he expects that from the people around him because he is delivering his 100%. He is juicing his mind out of all the creative juices that he has and when the person in front of him isn’t giving that 100% I think he will push you to give that 100% so perfectionist I think is what everyone tries to define, box Sanjay Leela Bhansali into but he’s far more than that.”
Segal emphasized Bhansali’s dedication and work ethic, stating that he expects the same level of commitment from those around him. She argued that his drive for creativity and excellence goes beyond mere perfectionism.
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Netizens React:
The interview segment was shared on Reddit, where users criticized Segal for her comments. Some felt she was dismissive of Shaikh’s praise, with one user commenting, “How entitled is she? Only an outsider would use the word ‘perfectionist’ to describe SLB?”
Watch reactions :
Why is Sharmin so obnoxious and disrespectful towards others? Sanjeena clearly got uncomfortable but handled it well
byu/MyCuriousSelf04 inBollyBlindsNGossip
The debate highlights differing perceptions of Bhansali’s work ethic and creative process. While Shaikh’s admiration emphasizes his perfectionism, Segal’s insights offer a more nuanced view of his artistic philosophy.