Sharmin Segal addresses nepotism debate: reveals 16 auditions for Heeramandi role on The Kapil Sharma Show 16 : Bollywood News

Sharmin Segal, the actress who shot to fame with her role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Netflix series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, has opened up about the nepotism allegations surrounding her casting.

Sharmin Segal addresses nepotism debate: reveals 16 auditions for Heeramandi role on The Kapil Sharma Show

Sharmin’s performance as Alamzeb in the period drama sparked debate, with some viewers praising her portrayal while others criticised it as lacking in emotional depth. This and her familial connection to SLB fueled discussions about nepotism in the Indian entertainment industry.

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In a recent appearance on The Great Indian Kapil Sharma Show, alongside her co-stars from Heeramandi, Segal addressed the controversy head-on. When host Kapil Sharma jokingly asked, “Kya unhone aapka sach me audition liya tha ya aapne unko mamu banaya?” Segal revealed that the process was far from preferential.

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She asserted, “Ek saal ke liye prepare kiya aur 16 baar auditions diye (In one year I gave 16 auditions for the role).”

Earlier, speculation arose after Sharmin and Sanjay were seen at a private screening of Heeramandi in Los Angeles, which other cast members did not attend. This exclusivity fueled further criticism.

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However, her co-stars have been vocal in her defense. Actress Aditi Rao Hydari, who plays Segal's on-screen sister in the series, condemned the online trolling directed at Segal. "It's horrible to pick on anybody," Aditi stated in a recent interview. "There's a way to critique someone's work, but it shouldn't be mean."

Also Read:Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s niece Sharmin Segal faces performance criticism in Heeramandi; disables Instagram comments