Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar has become a talking point on the internet today. Starring a stellar cast of Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Shaikh, and Sharmin Segal, the show is set against the backdrop of the Indian independence revolution, showcasing the clash between the courtesans of Heera Mandi in Lahore and British officials. While Heeramandi explores the larger-than-life story of the courtesans and their complex lives, it was the love story between Tajdar (Taha Shah Badussha) and Alamzeb (Sharmin Segal) that grabbed everyone’s attention.
Mallikajaan’s (Manisha Koirala) youngest daughter, Alamzeb, wishes to write poetry and does not want to be a courtesan, while Taha is a London returnee who looks down on these women. As the story unfolds, the two fall in love despite being from completely different backgrounds. However, fate didn’t work in their favour as Tajdar was killed, leaving Alam in a state of shock.
Remaining a focal point at the beginning of the series, Alam and Tajdar’s story did take a backseat in the final episodes amid the growing tension between the people in Lahore and the British administration. However, they both had their own share of attention, sparking a debate on the internet about their pairing.
Heeramandi actor reacts to Sharmin Segal receiving criticism
Fans even argued that Pakistani actors Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan would be more appropriate to play Taj and Alam in the eight-part series. A section of internet users also shared their dissatisfaction with Sharmin Segal’s portrayal of Alam, calling her “expressionless.”
In reaction to this, Taha Shah spoke to Zoom TV and said he wasn’t aware of the trolling or the comments on social media. “I didn’t know that. But I feel she follows the method of keeping it subtle at times. As far as Sharmin and her performance are concerned, she was always trying to do her best and was always present on sets. How it comes to the audience is a different game altogether, and I can’t comment on it,” he said.
On the other hand, Sharmin, while speaking about the backlash, admitted that there is a lot of pressure sometimes; however, she has learned to accept it. “I do want to do what I want to do and I would love for everyone to love Alamzeb. But, at the end of the day, there will be people who have to say what they have to say,” the actress said on the BBC Asian Network podcast.
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