In 2024, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali released the period drama series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar on Netflix. The show attracted significant attention for its elaborate sets, costumes, and storytelling. Set in the historic red-light district of Lahore during the final years of British colonial rule in India, the series focused on the lives of tawaifs and explored how their personal struggles and ambitions intersected with the broader political upheaval of the Indian independence movement.
The series featured a large ensemble cast that included Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sharmin Segal, and Taha Shah Badussha. While the show was widely discussed for its grand production and strong performances by several cast members, it also sparked intense conversations online regarding certain characters and portrayals.
One of the most talked-about roles in the series was Alamzeb, played by Sharmin Segal. Following the show’s release, the character became the subject of widespread commentary on social media platforms. Many viewers criticized the performance, with some describing it as lacking emotional depth or calling it “expressionless.” The criticism quickly turned into online trolling, making Segal one of the most discussed actors from the series.
Amid these conversations, actress Jiya Shankar recently revealed that she had also auditioned for the same role. Jiya, who gained popularity after appearing in Bigg Boss OTT 2, spoke about the experience during a candid conversation with Filmygyan. During the interview, she was asked whether she had ever auditioned for a major project but ultimately missed out on the role.
Responding to the question, Jiya admitted that she had indeed auditioned for Heeramandi. She explained that the opportunity stood out to her because the character she auditioned for was a central figure in the story. According to her, she felt strongly connected to the role and believed she could have delivered a convincing performance if she had been selected.
When asked specifically which role she had auditioned for, Jiya revealed that it was the character of Alamzeb. She expressed confidence in her abilities, explaining that she felt such roles come naturally to her as an actor. In particular, she noted that portraying emotions connected to romance or love on screen is something she finds relatively easy to perform. She clarified that her comments were not meant to sound overconfident but rather reflected her belief that the character’s emotional arc aligned well with her strengths as a performer.
While Jiya’s comments added a new perspective to the conversation around the casting of Heeramandi, the focus had earlier been on the online backlash directed at Sharmin Segal. After the show premiered, Segal faced significant criticism not only for her acting but also for certain moments during promotional interviews. Some viewers interpreted her behavior during those interactions as dismissive or entitled, which led to further scrutiny and negative commentary on social media.
In response to the criticism, Sharmin later addressed the issue in an interview with India Today. She acknowledged that feedback regarding her performance was a normal part of being an actor and said she was open to constructive criticism about her work. However, she also emphasized that judging her personality based on limited public interactions was unfair.
Segal also expressed gratitude toward her co-stars who publicly defended her during the controversy. According to her, several colleagues reached out privately to offer support, while others spoke about her positively in interviews and public discussions. She described their support as deeply meaningful and said she appreciated the courage it took for them to speak up during a period when she was facing intense criticism online.
The conversation surrounding Heeramandi highlights how major streaming releases can quickly become subjects of widespread public debate. Casting choices, performances, and even promotional appearances often receive immediate reactions from audiences across social media platforms. In this context, Jiya Shankar’s revelation about auditioning for Alamzeb offers a glimpse into the competitive casting process behind such high-profile productions.
As Heeramandi continues to be discussed for both its artistic scale and the conversations it sparked, the show remains one of the most widely talked-about period dramas released on streaming platforms in recent years.
