Sharmin Segal Reveals Reasons for Opting Out of ‘Ram-Leela’ in Favor of ‘Bajirao Mastani’
Sharmin Segal, the rising star of the Indian film industry, has delved into her decision to decline an opportunity to assist her uncle, esteemed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, on the magnum opus ‘Ram-Leela’ in favor of working with him on ‘Bajirao Mastani.’
Humble Beginnings
In an exclusive interview with News 18, the 28-year-old actress recounted her humble beginnings as a film industry assistant, starting with ‘Mary Kom.’ She emphasized that despite her family connections, she believed in earning her place through hard work and dedication.
“I could have assisted on ‘Ram-Leela,’ but I felt like I didn’t deserve that chance at that point,” explained Segal. “I was completely new and knew nothing about filmmaking. I didn’t want to take up space that others who were more experienced deserved.”
Learning from the Masters
Instead, Segal chose to observe and learn from the sidelines on the set of ‘Mary Kom.’ She explained, “I thought it was better to hang around in the background and absorb as much as I could. That way, when I finally got the chance to assist Sanjay sir, I would be more prepared and knowledgeable.”
First Salary and Career Growth
Shedding light on her financial situation at the time, Segal revealed that her first salary as an assistant on ‘Mary Kom’ was a modest INR 7,500. However, she remained undeterred, working diligently and honing her skills.
Her dedication paid off when Bhansali recognized her potential and offered her a role in his historical epic ‘Bajirao Mastani.’
Career Highlights
Following her work on ‘Bajirao Mastani,’ Segal has continued to impress audiences with her performances in films such as ‘Malang’ and the recent Netflix series ‘Heeramandi.’ Her versatility and dedication have earned her a reputation as one of the most promising actresses of her generation.
Additional Insights
* Segal credits her early experiences as an assistant for shaping her work ethic and appreciation for the filmmaking process.
* Despite her initial hesitations, she is grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside Bhansali on ‘Bajirao Mastani.’
* Segal believes that it is important for aspiring filmmakers and actors to be willing to pay their dues and learn from their seniors in the industry.
* Her story serves as an inspiration for young artists who are starting out in their careers.