Exclusive: Fardeen Khan remembers that in the 2000s, Sanjay Leela Bhansali didn’t have fire in his eyes

In Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ambitious drama series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, Fardeen Khan is scheduled to return after more than ten years, playing the role of Wali Mohammed.

Fans’ enthusiasm for the series has already grown significantly as a result of its opulent production. Fardeen Khan, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sonakshi Sinha, and Taha Shah Badussha are among the cast members who recently took part in an exclusive interview with Pinkvilla. Fardeen said during the talk that Sanjay Leela Bhansali had previously informed him they couldn’t work together because he didn’t see the fire in his eyes back in the 2000s.

Fardeen Khan was pleasantly delighted to learn that Sanjay Leela Bhansali had a little part written for him in Black during an exclusive interview with Pinkvilla. For whatever reason, however, it was unable to come to pass. The actor replied, “This is news to me,” expressing amazement at the situation. Regarding this, I am at a loss for words.”

“You understand that I’m going to tell you a story that I told Sanjay sir when I went to see him for Wali Mohammed,” he said. In the early 2000s, I had visited his office in search of employment—obviously to have the chance to collaborate with him. He came to see me, and we sat and spoke for ten to fifteen minutes. “Fardeen, I don’t think we can work because I don’t see that fire in your eyes,” he said.

The actor went on, “I told him this time that even though it seemed harsh at the moment, that’s precisely what I needed to hear, rather than what I wanted to hear. At that point, it felt awful, of course. For that, I thanked him. I was never informed by him that he wanted to cast me in Black. This is the first time I’ve heard of it. But I am really appreciative of the opportunity to work with such a great craftsman as him. It’s been a fantastic educational opportunity. It has really enhanced my life in numerous ways.”

The narrative of love and betrayal among courtesans in pre-independence India is told in Heeramandi, a film directed by SLB. Alongside Manisha Koirala in the key roles are Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Shaikh, and Sharmin Segal. Fardeen Khan, Taha Shah, Shekhar Suman, and Adhyayan Suman all have significant parts in it as well.