Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Market’ has become one of the most-watched Indian series on Netflix. The series has received mixed reactions from audiences and critics alike.

While the rest of the cast has been praised, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s niece, Sharmin Segal, who plays the character of Alamzeb in Heeramandi, has been heavily trolled for her acting skills.

Sharmin Segal Compares Herself to Meena Kumari

Social media is flooded with videos questioning her acting, with people alleging that she got the role only because she is Bhansali’s niece. In an interview, Sharmin mentioned that she drew inspiration from Meena Kumari in ‘Pakeezah’ for her role in Heeramandi.

Sharmin Segal has compared herself to the legendary actress Meena Kumari. In response, Meena Kumari’s stepson, Tajdar Amrohi, has commented on her statement. Taking aim at Sharmin, Tajdar said that comparing ‘Heeramandi’ to ‘Pakeezah’ is like comparing apples and oranges.

Tajdar Amrohi, the stepson of the late actress Meena Kumari, reacted to Sharmin’s statement. In an interview with Zoom TV, Tajdar criticized the comparison, stating that Heeramandi and Pakeezah are worlds apart. He said that no one can recreate ‘Pakeezah’ or replicate Kamal Amrohi and Meena Kumari.

Tajdar Amrohi further added, “I don’t want to say much about this because Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a fan of my father. He tries to capture each shot the way my father did. I remember he once came to Kamalistan Studio and asked where my father used to sit and walk.

She Expressed: When I showed him, he respectfully touched the spot where my father used to sit. This was about 15 years ago. I haven’t met him since. I believe everyone has their preferences. This is my opinion; some people might prefer Heeramandi over Pakeezah. I don’t know Sharmin, so I can’t relate to her statement.”

Highlighting the vast differences between Pakeezah and Heeramandi, Tajdar explained, “Pakeezah is based on the life of a courtesan from Lucknow, while Heeramandi depicts the lives of courtesans in Lahore’s red-light district.

Many viewers have drawn comparisons between the two, but they are fundamentally different.” Sharmin Segal has been continuously trolled for her “expressionless acting” in Heeramandi.

In an interview addressing the criticism, she explained that she tried to incorporate Meena Kumari’s subtlety from Pakeezah into her role in Heeramandi.