Actor Sharmin Segal recently opened up about her decision not to assist her uncle, renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, on the film Ram-Leela. Instead, she chose to gain experience on the sets of Mary Kom. In a candid conversation with News 18, Sharmin shared insights into her early career choices and the reasons behind them.
Sharmin revealed that her first job in the film industry was as an assistant on Mary Kom. She mentioned that her initial salary was ₹7,500, a modest beginning for someone from a family deeply entrenched in Bollywood. Despite having the opportunity to work on Ram-Leela, she felt she wasn’t ready for such a significant role at that time.
“I could’ve worked in Ram-Leela but I felt like I didn’t deserve that chance of assisting Sanjay Leela Bhansali at that point,” Sharmin explained. She admitted that she was completely new to filmmaking and wanted to learn the ropes before taking on a more substantial project. This led her to the sets of Mary Kom, where she could observe and learn without the pressure of high expectations.
While working on Mary Kom, Sharmin’s uncle was busy with the production of Ram-Leela. She expressed her desire to work in films to him but acknowledged her lack of knowledge about the industry. “Mary Kom was my first job and I received my first salary while working on it,” she said, reflecting on her humble beginnings.
Mary Kom, released in 2014, is a biographical sports film based on the life of the celebrated boxer Mary Kom. Directed by Omung Kumar and produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film starred Priyanka Chopra in the titular role, along with Darshan Kumar and Sunil Thapa.
On the other hand, Ram-Leela, released in 2013, is a romantic tragedy written and directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film featured Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh in lead roles, with a supporting cast that included Supriya Pathak, Richa Chadda, and Sharad Kelkar. Priyanka Chopra also made a special appearance in the song “Ram Chahe Leela.”
Sharmin’s decision to start her career with Mary Kom rather than Ram-Leela highlights her thoughtful approach to learning and growth. She wanted to build a solid foundation before stepping into more significant roles within the industry. This decision seems to have paid off, as she later assisted her uncle on Bajirao Mastani, another major project.
In recent times, Sharmin has been seen in Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s debut web series on Netflix. The show, set in pre-Partition India, revolves around courtesans who held considerable power and influence during the country’s freedom struggle. The series features an ensemble cast, including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Richa Chadha.
Sharmin’s journey from assisting on Mary Kom to starring in Heeramandi showcases her growth and evolution in the film industry. Her choices reflect a desire to learn and develop her skills before taking on more prominent roles. This approach has allowed her to build a strong foundation and gain valuable experience.
Netflix recently announced a second season of Heeramandi, indicating the show’s success and the audience’s interest in the storyline. Sharmin’s performance in the series has been well-received, further establishing her as a talented actor in the industry.
Sharmin Segal’s story is a testament to the importance of patience and perseverance in one’s career. By choosing to start with smaller roles and gradually working her way up, she has demonstrated a commitment to learning and growth. Her decision not to assist on Ram-Leela, despite the opportunity, shows her understanding of the need to build a solid foundation before taking on more significant challenges.
As Sharmin continues to make her mark in the film industry, her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors and filmmakers. Her thoughtful approach to her career and her willingness to learn from every experience highlight the importance of dedication and hard work in achieving success.
