Shekhar Suman Says Pakistan Is 'Very Jealous' of Heeramandi: 'Padosi Mulk Ke Kuch Log...'

Shekhar Suman says some people from Pakistan are jealous of Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. The actor, who plays the role of Zulfikar Ahmed in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web series, was recently speaking to Bollywood Hungama when he questioned those criticising the ‘authenticity’ of Heeramandi. He clarified that Bhansali hasn’t made a documentary on Heeramandi but has only taken a cue from there.

“A lot of stupid people are fussing and obsessing over it, talking about it and questioning the historical accuracy and authenticity and chronology, but Bhansali saab is known for his dystopian sagas. He is known for a world that he creates. He is a master craftsman. He creates his own world and that’s cinema,” he said.

“Cinema should not be questioned, interpretation should not be questioned because that’s his point of view. Take it or leave it. If you start dissecting it… He hasn’t made a documentary on Heeramandi. He has just taken a cue from there,” the actor added.

Shekhar Suman further lashed out at the people of Pakistan and questioned them for discussing an Indian show. “Padosi mulk ke kuch log hain (There are some people of the neighbouring country) who are feeling very jealous about the fact ki inhone kyu bana dia (Why did they make it)? Bhai aap bana lete (You could have made it) and why are you even discussing our Heeramandi? We don’t discuss your films. We don’t even know whether you make films,” he said.

Besides Shekhar Suman, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar also stars Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sharmin Segal Mehta, Farida Jalal, Fardeen Khan and Adhyayan Suman in key roles. It explores the various aspects of a woman’s trials and tribulations.

Recently, Sanjay Leela Bhansali addressed the audiences’ reactions to Heeramandi when he told Variety, “The reactions were overwhelming and heart-warming. What really stood out for me was that audiences have binge-watched ‘Heeramandi’ and even watched it twice or thrice over at a stretch. It was nice to see the kind of response we have received on social media and the kind of content people are creating around the show from different parts of the world.”

Heeramandi is currently streaming on Netflix.