Snehil Dixit Mehra, who served as a writer and additional director on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s streaming series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar recalled an anecdote about cast member Taha Shah Badussha, with whom she had a difference in opinion regarding one crucial scene.

In an interview with Bollywood Life, Snehil shared that there was a scene where Taha was annoying her because he wasn’t following her directions. She revealed that she wanted him to have tears in his eyes for a particular scene, but he resisted, saying, ‘Aadmi thodi rote hai (men don’t cry)’.

However, on her insistent to cry in order for the audience to feel the emotion, he eventually agreed to do it.

The AD added that as a first-time director, she often felt nervous, especially during scenes that required many retakes. Working with someone as experienced as Farida Jalal, whom she had grown up watching, added to her nervousness because she felt uncertain about directing such a seasoned actor.

Snehil shared that working with the cinematographers and DOPs, particularly with Sudeep Chatterjee, known for creating beautiful visual imagery, gave her the jitters. She also gave a special mention to Mahesh Limaye, who helped her feel very comfortable on the sets.

‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’, also stars Manisha Koirala, Sharmin Segal, Aditi Rao Hydari, Shekhar Suman and Fardeen Khan in pivotal roles.