In Heeramandi, Farida Jalal took on the role of Taha Shah Badussha’s grandmother and shared the screen with Sharmin Segal in the series.
Farida Jalal, renowned for her diverse portrayals in numerous films and television programs, recently took on a significant role in Heeramandi. In an interview with India Today, the veteran actor shared her thoughts on the criticism aimed at her co-star Sharmin Segal regarding her performance in the series.
Farida Jalal, reflecting on Sharmin Segal’s performance in Heeramandi, emphasized that Sharmin did her utmost. During her conversation, she urged for kindness towards Sharmin amidst the trolling, stating, “I know, I am not happy about this. Be kind. What her capacity as an actor is, she has done her best.” She continued, “I don’t feel the character needs to be very boisterous and loud, the role was not like that.” Farida added, “What were you expecting? Yes, what you thought you needed… It’s ok, why should we be mean to the girl? Be kind, maybe that’s her capacity, just that much. I don’t think the real role was boisterous, it wasn’t. She is a shayara, she falls in love with my bacchha (Taha Shah’s character) and that’s it.”
The Heeramandi team has rallied around Sharmin Segal amid criticism she faced from some cinephiles disappointed by her performance in the series. Described as ‘expressionless’ and deemed the wrong choice for the role by some, Sharmin’s portrayal sparked debate online, with suggestions that Aditi instead of Sharmin should have played Alamzeb. Aditi, in an interview with Puja Talwar, addressed the criticism, stating, “100%. It’s horrible to pick on anybody… There is a way to say it. It can get very mean… I think it’s not fair and it shouldn’t happen like that.” Richa Chadha and Shekhar Suman also lent their support to Sharmin, while Adhyayan Suman advised her to engage with feedback openly.
“Heeramandi” draws its name from the historic red-light district of Heeramandi in Lahore, situated in pre-partition India, now part of Pakistan. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the Indian independence movement spanning the 1920s to the 1940s, amidst the intricate power dynamics among courtesans of Lahore, Nawabs, and British officers. This grand series marks Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s debut in the realm of OTT platforms. The ensemble cast includes Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Shekhar Suman, Adhyayan Suman, Fardeen Khan, among others, portraying pivotal roles.
ALSO READ : Richa Chadha Defends Heeramandi Co-Star Sharmin Segal Against Trolls. It can affect someone’s mental health’
“Heeramandi” is available for streaming on Netflix and has been officially renewed for a second season.