Jason Shah Talks About Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Minimal Role in His Direction. Jason Shah, who portrayed the antagonist Alastair Cartwright in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, recently shared his thoughts on the experience. Despite the positive reception of his performance, Jason expressed dissatisfaction with the depth of his character, attributing it to the limited direction he received from Bhansali.
Insights from the Podcast
In a candid conversation on the Inside the Mind with Rushabh podcast, Jason revealed that Bhansali, known for his meticulous direction in films, was less involved in directing the web series. “There were a lot of nuances that he wasn’t directing that much. I had other directors with me. I just felt we could’ve worked on it a little more, and a lot more colour could’ve come out. It had the capacity,” Jason remarked.
Character Complexity and Historical Context: Jason’s British officer character was central to the series’ narrative. However, he felt that the character lacked the depth and complexity that could have made him more compelling. Reflecting on his past roles, Jason mentioned how he often engaged in discussions about historical contexts with his team, which enriched his performances. He felt that similar discussions and more creative freedom could have enhanced his portrayal of Cartwright.
Drawing Parallels with Ben Kingsley: Drawing a parallel with Ben Kingsley’s portrayal of Gandhi. Jason highlighted how Kingsley’s character explored the extremes of racism, making the audience truly understand the character’s motivations and fears. Jason believed that if Cartwright had been given similar depth, the audience would have found him more intimidating and memorable.
Voicing Concerns and Creative Restraints
When asked if he had voiced his concerns to Bhansali, Jason admitted that he had, but refrained from pushing further to avoid being labeled a “problem maker.” This restraint, he felt, limited his ability to fully realize his character’s potential.
Jason’s reflections offer a glimpse into the challenges actors face when their creative visions do not align with those of the directors. His experience underscores the importance of collaboration and communication in bringing characters to life, especially in complex narratives like Heeramandi.