Heeramandi Actress Sharmin Segal: ‘This is What Sanjay Leela Bhansali's World is’

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s debut streaming project Heeramadi: The Diamond Bazaar will soon be released on Netflix. Talking about the series and the director, actress Sharmin Segal who plays one of the courtesans from the ensemble of cast including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari and Richa Chadha opened up about how Bhansal’s work stands out not just for its visual brilliance but also for the powerful women who inhabit his worlds.

As Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar prepares to unveil its story, one thing remains certain: Sanjay Leela Bhansali will continue to champion women in his own distinct and powerful way, adding new layers to his legacy. Whether it's Sinha's mysterious Fareedan, Chadha's poignant portrayal of Lajjo, Sanjeeda Shaikh's yearning as Waheeda, Segal's quest for love as Alamzeb, Hydari's pursuit of freedom, or Koirala's radiant Mallikajaan in Heeramandi, Bhansali consistently pushes boundaries and challenges societal norms, solidifying his position as a master storyteller.

Segal, discussing the way the auteur portrays women in the show, mentions, “Heeramandi is not just about showing the tough reality of Tawaifs. It's more like a deep dive into their feelings and thoughts. It's not just about the daily grind; it's more about what goes on inside their minds. This is what Sanjay Leela Bhansali's world is - all about understanding the emotions of these women in a unique way.”

After Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) featuring Alia Bhatt in the lead, this is Bhansali’s next and first ever streaming project.