Sanjeeda Shaikh shares Sanjay Leela Bhansali 'did not audition' her for 'Heeramandi' role

Bollywood actress Sanjeeda Shaikh disclosed that she didn't have to audition for her role as Waheeda in Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, which is streaming on Netflix from May 1, 2024.

Speaking to Filmygyan, the 39-year-old actress revealed that she knew about Sanjay Leela Bhansali's project Heeramandi and had a meeting with him.

She also expressed that she returned home with hopes of securing the role.

The Fighter star said, “It was a brief meeting of 10 minutes, and sir we had met 10-15 years ago. I thought he would not remember about the meeting, but he did, and he was like, You are looking better, looking fresher, and looking happier. And then he asked me not to tell anyone about this meeting.”

Sanjeeda further revealed, “There was no audition…Sir did not audition, he just called for a look test after 3 4 months of the meeting.”

She further mentioned that during the look test, the team began applying prosthetics due to the character's facial scar, which heightened the intensity for her.

Additionally, she experimented with different outfits while SLB  personally oversaw the process. 

The actress shared, “I was doing everything, and suddenly he said, Ye hai meri Waheeda.”