Actor Sonakshi Sinha recently opened up about her experience working alongside veteran actress Manisha Koirala in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web series, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. In an interview with Instant Bollywood, Sonakshi shared her admiration for Manisha and how the experience pushed her to deliver her best performance.
Apologizing to Manisha Koirala
Sonakshi Sinha revealed that she felt the need to apologize to Manisha Koirala after watching the entire series. She expressed her awe for Manisha’s talent, saying, “I love her. I apologised to her after I saw the entire series! I was like, how have I done this? Meri ye majaal kaha se aayi (How dare I)! She is amazing and that is the beauty of having such a fine actor in front of you because they give you the boost to do better.”
Growing Up Watching Manisha’s Work
Sonakshi emphasized that she grew up watching Manisha Koirala’s remarkable body of work. This history added pressure on Sonakshi to perform well. She noted, “This is Manisha Koirala, who we have grown up watching, who has an amazing body of work. I thought I am in front of her, so I better do something good. It is such a pleasure to have that banter with each other, you are fully into it. I enjoyed working with Manisha mam.”
Building Rapport with Sanjay Leela Bhansali
When asked about her relationship with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Sonakshi explained that she didn’t try to get into his “good books.” Instead, she focused on delivering good work. She shared, “He is an artiste himself so I knew the only thing that will ever impress him is good work or if I do my work well. That is exactly what happened. He was not supposed to shoot too many scenes of mine, but then he shot one and kept coming back.”
Sonakshi’s Dual Role in Heeramandi
Sonakshi is receiving accolades for her portrayal of the vengeful Fareedan in Heeramandi. She played dual roles—mother Rehanna and daughter Fareedan—in the pre-Partition era drama set in Lahore. Her performance, alongside the stellar cast, delves deep into the cultural realities of courtesans and their patrons.
Stellar Cast and Compelling Story
Heeramandi features an ensemble cast including Manisha Koirala, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sharmin Segal, Taha Shah Badussha, Shekhar Suman, and Adhyayan Suman. The eight-part Netflix series explores the intricate lives of courtesans and their relationships, providing a rich narrative set against the backdrop of pre-Partition Lahore.
Conclusion
Sonakshi Sinha’s experience on the set of Heeramandi highlights her dedication to her craft and respect for her co-stars. Her admiration for Manisha Koirala and her approach to working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali showcases her professional growth and the collaborative spirit essential in creating compelling cinema. As Sonakshi continues to receive praise for her role, Heeramandi stands as a testament to the power of great storytelling and stellar performances.