Shruti Sharma on 'Heeramandi' getting trolled for Urdu, historical facts | Exclusive
Shruti Sharma on ‘Heeramandi’ getting trolled for Urdu, historical facts | Exclusive
Shruti Sharma, who plays Saima, attendant of Alam Zeb, Mallika Jaan’s daughter in ‘Heeramandi’, spoke about the series being called out for its Urdu or historical inaccuracies. Speaking to IndiaToday.in, the actor defended filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s vision. She also spoke about her role, comparisons with Sharmin Segal and how she first realised that she wouldn’t get the part.
Hailing from Lucknow, getting into the ‘Heeramandi’ groove was thus easier for her. Reacting to criticism that the show received for not getting the Urdu and historical facts right, Sharma said, “Every director has a vision and one must respect that. Also, I don’t think we set out to give history lessons, we are entertainers here. Everyone has done their best and if people feel there were shortcomings, we will do better the next time. For now, I can just ask everyone to watch the show with an open heart.”
Talking about having a crisp role in ‘Heeramandi’, Shruti Sharma said, “Honestly, a lot in the script changed through the course of the show. If the makers plan a season 2, I am sure you will get to see more of Saima’s story. There’s a lot that wasn’t played out. However, I must add that anyone would give their arm to be even in just one scene in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s project. I am fairly new in the industry and to bag a show like this is my good luck.”
Shruti said that she was working on her TV show when the casting team called her for an audition. It was only after she was shortlisted that she got to know it was for an SLB project. “I was jumping with joy and also crying, as it was such an achievement for me.” However, her happiness was cut short after a ‘not so fulfilling’ meeting with the filmmaker.
“We were asked to wear traditional while meeting him, and I wore a saree. I remember I was so nervous that I was literally shivering. As I sat across him, he asked his assistants to help me put some kajal, while asking me to show some ‘adaayein’ (demeanour). I don’t really remember what I performed but I wasn’t really happy. In my disappointment, I called my mother saying that while it was a memorable day for me, I will not get selected for the part. But it was in my destiny and one thing led to another, and I was on his grand set. I also remember he waited for me to wrap up another shoot and join, as he said he saw his Saima in me,” the actor said with a broad smile.
Shruti Sharma mentioned that she was quite loved on the sets and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who’s known to be quite a taskmaster, never raised his voice on her. On her part, the actor gave her 200 percent in every scene knowing that she may not get such an opportunity again. When asked to pick her favourite scene from the show, Sharma mentioned the high point in the story, when Saima is sold off to two men.
“It’s a beautiful scene but was quite a challenge for me. Saima decides to sacrifice her honour for her friend, but when she gets to know that there are actually two men in the room, she is left aghast. I not only had to show strength but also the pain and the childlike confusion about what would happen next. The amalgamation of emotions made it such a task but I am so proud that people are taking note of it,” she added.
While many have been pitting her against Sharmin Segal, the actor is clear that she doesn’t want any comparisons as they both have individual journeys. “I have been taught by my parents that whatever is in your destiny would be yours. Hence, I don’t think it’s right for us to talk about it. We are all artists and everyone is trying to do their best. I don’t think anyone of us also want to pay heed to any negativity as there’s already so much love to cherish.”
On a final note, Shruti discussed the sisterhood on the set, stating that if they did not bond off-camera, the same wouldn’t have played out so well on screen. As for having fun, the actor said that discipline is the key mood on an SLB set. “I think everyone is so immersed in their job that you have no time to even think of anything else. I feel even the breeze blows with sir’s permission on the set. The focus is on the character and how we can put up the best act,” she concluded.
‘Heeramandi’ stars Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, and Sharmin Segal.