Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s niece Sharmin Segal on nepotism: ‘We should not misuse our opportunity’

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s niece Sharmin Segal is all set to make her debut with Malaal. She says that he realises nepotism exists in Bollywood but also in every field.

Debutante actor Sharmin Segal, who is gearing up for the release of her film Malaal, says that nepotism exists everywhere including Bollywood and that star children are usually under more pressure to prove their worth than outsiders.

Sharmin Segal with co-star Meezaan, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and his mother.

Sharmin Segal at the trailer launch of her film Malaal.

Asked about her opinion on nepotism, Sharmin, who is the niece of filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, told media: “Yes, there is nepotism in Bollywood but also in every (other) field. Whether you are an actor, a doctor or someone, maybe you want to follow your father’s footsteps.

“Yes, it is true that if you know people from the film industry, you get access but at the same time the expectation is high, therefore, we have to put in extra hard work. So yes, we have to work sincerely, and should not be misusing our opportunity.”

Her debut will be alongside another newcomer Meezaan, son of actor Jaaved Jaaferi. “I agree, we have to do a lot of hard work and audience has to like our performance. So at the end of the day the audience has to decide if they like us or not based on our talent. There are many talents in our film industry who are not from the industry…” said Meezaan.

Sharmin, who started assisting Bhansali from the film Baajirao Mastani, said that she wasn’t sure if she wants to take up acting professionally though she had an interest in performances.

Talking about his inspiration, Meezaan said: “When you have a Jagjit and Jaaved Jaaferi at home, you do not need to look outside for talent, it is abundant in the house.” Directed by Mangesh Hadawale, produced by Bhansali, Malaal is releasing on June 28.

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