Amidst the buzz surrounding her performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web series, “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,” actor Sharmin Segal recently shared insights into her preparation and the challenges she faced. Addressing the criticism and trolling aimed at her portrayal of the tragic character Alamzeb, Sharmin revealed her inspiration from the legendary Meena Kumari, particularly her performance in the iconic film “Pakeezah” (1972).
In a candid interview with ETimes, Sharmin disclosed her efforts to delve into the essence of Meena Kumari’s acting style by watching “Pakeezah” multiple times, admitting it took around 15-16 attempts to absorb its profound nuances. She emphasized the subtlety and depth in Meena Kumari’s portrayal, describing it as embodying a sense of “nothingness” that resonated with her own approach to character interpretation.
Discussing her preparation for the role in “Heeramandi,” Sharmin highlighted her training regimen in dance and diction, acknowledging Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s contribution in refining the material with his distinctive directorial touch. Despite facing backlash for her perceived “expressionless” acting in the period drama, Sharmin remained steadfast in her dedication to delivering a nuanced performance, drawing strength from her artistic inspirations.
As Sharmin Segal continues to navigate the complexities of her acting journey, her endeavor to channel the spirit of Meena Kumari’s timeless performances serves as a testament to her commitment to the craft and her relentless pursuit of artistic excellence.
