Anuj Sharma, known for his role in ‘Padmaavat,’ has stepped into the shoes of an antagonist in the much-anticipated series ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,’ directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. In an interview, Sharma recounted the emotional rollercoaster he experienced during the casting process for the series.
Reflecting on how he was approached for his role, Sharma shared, “I had worked with him in ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ and ‘Padmaavat’. I still remember, I was at home. I got a call at night that if you are free tomorrow, we will start the shooting. So I said, yes, I am free. After that, the casting director called me to send the audition. The audition was sent. After a while, the report came that the audition was rejected and I was not playing this role. The sad thing was that my audition went to Sir and it got rejected.”
Despite the initial setback, a turn of events brought a significant change. “I was very depressed. So, in the morning, I was sitting in the temple of my house. I was praying to Lord Krishna that ‘so many miracles have happened in the world, why isn’t there any miracle happening in my life?’. At the same time, I got a call and was told that Sanjay Sir wants to meet me. You can come to Film City. So, I went to Film City. I met with Sir and he said in front of the whole unit that ‘he is my lucky charm’. This was a very big compliment for me.”
‘Heeramandi’ explores the lives of courtesans and their patrons, weaving a narrative rich in cultural detail. The star-studded cast includes Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sharmin Segal, Taha Shah Badussha, Shekhar Suman, and Adhyayan Suman. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Indian freedom struggle of the 1940s, the series promises a compelling mix of love, power, revenge, and freedom.
Sharma also spoke highly of his experiences working with the ensemble cast. “I enjoyed working with everyone. Most of the scenes are with Aditi and Taha. Taha is a very hardworking actor. He gives his hundred per cent from his side. And Aditi is already a big star, she does such a good job. So, I felt good with everyone.”
‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ is currently streaming on Netflix, offering viewers a glimpse into a pivotal period of history through the lens of personal and political intrigue.
