'Heeramandi': Sanjay Leela Bhansali yelled on Aditi Rao Hydari; withheld food on set; Here's why

By Amrita Ghosh  |  First Published May 5, 2024, 7:00 PM IST

Aditi Rao Hydari shares how Sanjay Leela Bhansali's unconventional method, foregoing lunch, fueled her performance in 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar', a series exploring the lives of courtesans in 1940s India amid the struggle for independence

Aditi Rao Hydari recently shared an intriguing behind-the-scenes moment from the filming of the highly anticipated series 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,' directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. In a candid revelation, Hydari disclosed an incident where Bhansali employed a unique method to elicit a particular emotion from her during a crucial scene.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The incident occurred during the shooting of a pivotal mujra scene, where Hydari, having recently recovered from Covid-19, found herself grappling with exhaustion and struggling to meet Bhansali's expectations. Despite her initial difficulty in grasping Bhansali's direction, she eventually delivered the desired performance, driven by her respect and admiration for his vision.

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Reflecting on the experience, Hydari expressed her disappointment at initially failing to meet Bhansali's expectations but emphasized her determination to not disappoint him, owing to his unwavering belief in the cast's capabilities.

Hydari also shed light on Bhansali's playful teasing regarding her struggle to portray anger convincingly, citing her natural inclination towards more subtle expressions of emotion. However, she recounted a unique incident where Bhansali's storytelling prowess and unconventional method of motivation, such as forgoing her lunch break, aided her in delivering a compelling performance.

In a touching moment, Bhansali engaged Hydari in a heartfelt conversation, immersing her in his storytelling and leaving her visibly moved. Subsequently, he chose to forego a lunch break for her, ensuring she remained in the desired emotional state for the scene. Hydari embraced the challenge, foregoing her meal and channeling her emotions into the scene, ultimately delivering a performance that met Bhansali's expectations.

'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar' boasts a stellar cast, including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Sehgal, and Sanjeeda Sheikh portraying tawaifs, with Fardeen Khan, Taha Shah Badussha, Shekhar Suman, and Adhyayan Suman in pivotal roles as Nawabs.

The series, set against the backdrop of the Indian Independence struggle in the 1940s, explores the intricate lives of courtesans and their clients in the historic Heera Mandi area, offering audiences a glimpse into a bygone era where courtesans held sway as monarchs.

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