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.

Actor Aditya Rawal, the son of veteran Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal, has spoken about the expectations often associated with being part of a well-known film family. In a recent interview with Bollywood Bubble, the 32-year-old actor explained that he does not feel pressured to live up to his father’s long and celebrated career in the film industry. Instead, he prefers to concentrate on building his own journey and learning through his experiences as an actor and writer.

Paresh Rawal has been active in Indian cinema for several decades and has built a reputation for his versatile performances across comedy, drama, and character roles. While many star kids often face comparisons with their parents, Aditya Rawal believes such comparisons are premature in his case. According to him, his parents have spent around four decades working in the industry, and it would not make sense to measure his career against theirs at such an early stage. He noted that comparisons could be meaningful only after someone has spent a similar amount of time in the profession and built a body of work that allows for such evaluation.

Aditya explained that the appreciation he receives for his work motivates him more than any expectations related to his family name. Rather than focusing on external pressure, he prefers to channel his attention toward improving his craft and continuing to grow in the profession. In his view, the most important factor is sustaining a career over a long period, which requires patience and consistency rather than immediate comparisons.

His association with the film industry began long before he pursued acting professionally. As a child artist, Aditya appeared in the film Ferrari Ki Sawaari. He also gained behind-the-scenes experience by assisting on the film OMG – Oh My God!, which featured his father in a prominent role. These early experiences helped him understand the workings of film production and gave him exposure to the industry from multiple perspectives.

Despite growing up in a family closely connected to cinema, Aditya said that he rarely thinks about his identity in terms of his parents’ fame. According to him, such thoughts might occur during the initial phase of a career, but they gradually fade as a person becomes more confident in their abilities. Once someone understands their craft and learns how to perform their work effectively, the question of identity becomes less significant. He added that over time he has stopped thinking about it as a defining factor in his professional life.

Aditya also shared that growing up around actors and film professionals made the concept of fame feel relatively ordinary. Since he was frequently exposed to people from the industry during his childhood, meeting actors or filmmakers never felt particularly unusual to him. In his view, individuals who work in media or cinema often treat such interactions as routine because they have likely met many film personalities already.

However, he observed that people from outside the film world sometimes react very differently to celebrity encounters. Aditya recalled that during his younger years he spent time playing sports such as cricket and football, where his peers did not necessarily belong to the film industry. In those environments, meeting an actor could feel like a much bigger moment for others. Seeing those reactions helped him understand how differently fame can be perceived depending on one’s background and exposure.

Beyond acting, Aditya Rawal has also been involved in writing projects within the film industry. He worked as a writer on Panipat, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, and contributed to the screenplay of Dear Father, which featured Paresh Rawal in a leading role. According to Aditya, working as both an actor and writer has given him a broader understanding of storytelling and filmmaking.

He believes that the two roles complement each other. Writing allows him to explore characters, motivations, and narrative structures in greater depth, which in turn helps him approach acting with more insight. Similarly, his experience performing on screen helps him understand how actors interpret scripts and translate written scenes into performances.

Aditya also mentioned that his father occasionally shares advice related to acting and professional decisions. Their conversations often revolve around projects, roles, and creative choices rather than personal life matters. He considers it a significant advantage to have someone with extensive industry experience available for guidance and discussions about filmmaking.

As he continues his career, Aditya Rawal appears focused on gradually developing his skills and exploring opportunities both in front of and behind the camera. Rather than viewing his father’s legacy as a burden, he sees it as a source of learning while working toward establishing his own identity in the industry.

Daughter of late actress Sridevi and film producer Boney Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor stepped into the film industry in 2023. Like several young actors from film families, her debut attracted considerable attention from audiences and critics alike. She began her acting journey with the Netflix film The Archies, which introduced a new generation of actors to the screen. The film also marked the debut of Suhana Khan and Agastya Nanda. Although the film generated significant discussion online, it served as an entry point for Khushi Kapoor into the Hindi film industry.

After her streaming debut, Khushi moved on to theatrical releases. She appeared in Loveyapa alongside Junaid Khan, the son of actor Aamir Khan. The film marked her first appearance in a theatrical production and was seen as an important step in establishing her presence on the big screen. Her performances in both projects received attention, with some viewers acknowledging her efforts as a newcomer navigating the early stage of her career.

However, not all responses to her work were positive. The film Nadaaniyan brought a wave of online criticism directed at both Khushi Kapoor and her co-star Ibrahim Ali Khan. The project was widely discussed on social media, where viewers criticized its writing, dialogues, and overall execution. Some audiences described the script as weak and the dialogue delivery as awkward, which led to widespread trolling and memes circulating online. As a result, the performances of the lead actors also came under scrutiny.

In a recent interview with The Times of India, Khushi Kapoor spoke candidly about her early experiences in the film industry and the emotions she faced during that period. Reflecting on the initial stage of her career, she admitted that she often felt caught in an uncertain middle ground. She described the phase as one where she did not feel fully confident in her position yet but also did not feel completely lost. According to her, this feeling was intimidating at times, but she tried to remind herself that growth usually happens during such transitional phases rather than at the end of the journey.

Khushi explained that acknowledging this “in-between” stage helped her continue working without becoming overwhelmed by expectations. Entering an industry where public opinion and comparisons are common can be challenging for newcomers, particularly those who come from well-known film families. She noted that maintaining emotional balance requires deliberate effort, especially when dealing with scrutiny and constant feedback.

To manage the pressures of the profession, Khushi Kapoor relies on a close circle of family members and friends. She shared that they provide a sense of normalcy by seeing her simply as Khushi rather than focusing on her identity as a public figure. This distinction, she said, allows her to maintain a personal space where she can step away from the demands of the film industry.

In addition to relying on her support system, she mentioned that certain everyday habits help her stay grounded. Activities such as journaling, reading, and spending quiet evenings at home are part of the routines she uses to disconnect from the constant online conversations surrounding her work. According to Khushi, these small rituals help her remain focused on the present rather than becoming overly concerned with external opinions.

Speaking about the mixed reception to Nadaaniyan, the actress said she views criticism as part of the learning process. She believes that even negative reactions indicate that audiences are engaging with the film and discussing it. Rather than ignoring the feedback entirely, she prefers to observe it, learn what she can from it, and continue improving her craft. At the same time, she emphasized the importance of not allowing public reactions to completely define one’s sense of self or professional direction.

Looking ahead, Khushi Kapoor is currently working on her upcoming film Mom 2. The project carries emotional significance because it is connected to the legacy of her mother, Sridevi. The film is being produced by Boney Kapoor and directed by Girish Kohli. Actress Karishma Tanna is also part of the cast.

As Khushi Kapoor continues to build her filmography, she appears to be approaching the process with a focus on gradual improvement and resilience. Her reflections on early criticism and personal growth highlight the challenges that often accompany the beginning stages of a career in the film industry, particularly under public scrutiny.