Sanjay Leela Bhansali‘s long-awaited debut web series, “Heeramandi,” finally premiered on Netflix earlier this month. The series delves into the lives of courtesans in 1920s Lahore, who played significant roles in India’s independence movement. Since its release, “Heeramandi” has sparked a flurry of discussions, with both praise and criticism directed towards its storyline and extravagant portrayal.
While some aspects of the show have garnered acclaim, others, including Sharmin Segal’s portrayal of Alamzeb, have faced harsh criticism and trolling. In response to the online backlash, Sharmin has disabled comments on her Instagram posts.
So, who exactly is Sharmin Segal? The 28-year-old actress made her acting debut in 2019 with “Malaal” and later appeared in the 2022 film “Atithi Bhooto Bhava.” “Heeramandi” marks her first venture into the realm of web series. Born in 1995 to executive Deepak Segal and film editor Bela Segal, Sharmin is the niece of renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Her mother, Bela, is an accomplished film editor who has worked on notable films such as “Khamoshi,” “Devdas,” and “Black,” and has also directed “Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi” in 2012. Sharmin’s father currently serves as the content head of Applause Entertainment.
Sharmin’s paternal grandfather, Mohanl Segal, was a successful filmmaker known for his works like “Ek Hi Raasta,” “Raja Jani,” and “New Delhi.”
In 2023, Sharmin married businessman Aman Mehta, the son of billionaire business tycoon Samir Mehta, who, along with his brother Sudhir Mehta, heads the Torrent Group. Reports indicate that Samir’s net worth in 2024 stands at a staggering $6.44 billion (Rs 53,800 crore).
Addressing the hate she received for her performance in “Heeramandi,” Sharmin opened up about how she deals with criticism and online harassment. Speaking to BBC Asian Network, she emphasized the importance of her support system, particularly her sister, who was also an assistant director on the show. Despite the pressure to prove herself, Sharmin remains realistic about the limitations of controlling public opinion in a world with a vast population.
