Sanjeeda Shaikh embodies one of Bhansali’s most intricate characters – Waheeda in Heeramandi. As the series progresses, the various layers of Waheeda’s character are revealed, speaking at length about Sanjeeda’s range as an actor.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali presented his masterpiece to the world in the form of a web series. Bhansali’s recent release, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, is also his directorial OTT debut and has been streaming on Netflix since May 1, 2024. In the series, Sanjeeda Shaikh, a well-known face in the TV industry, portrays the role of Waheeda, the sister of Mallika Jaan (essayed by Manisha Koirala). Sanjeeda emerges as one of Bhansali’s most complicated characters – a tawaif who endures betrayal from both people and destiny. In the narrative of the show, Waheeda carries a prominent scar not only on her face but also on her heart. The complexity of her character is brilliantly showcased from the outset. In the very first episode, Waheeda desperately attempts to prove her innocence to Mallika Jaan by insisting that she did not steal the jewels given by Wali Sahab (played by Fardeen Khan) during Bibbo Jaan’s mujra (played by Aditi Rao Hydari). However, Mallika refuses to believe her own sister and commands Phatto (played by Jayati Bhatia), the dedicated house help, to frisk Waheeda like a thief. Despite Phatto’s thorough search, she finds nothing. In response to this humiliation, Waheeda, with a furious face, tells her sister, ‘Chor hum nahi aap hain aapa, jo dusro ki khusiyan churati hain.‘ She then walks through the hallway, screaming ‘Chor nahi hai hum,‘ until she reaches a pot, picks up the hidden jewels, and gives a wicked smile while repeating the same sentence. Despite delivering an outstanding performance, Sanjeeda’s character was notably overlooked and did not receive the recognition she deserved. Let’s explore some of the best scenes of Sanjeeda in the show.
The Khwaabgah Struggle
The Khwaabgah haveli holds paramount significance for Waheeda, as she aspires to be the lady of the house. Despite every odd coming her way, she continues to fight with an unyielding spirit, refusing to give up on her dream of owning the haveli. However, there comes a point in the episode when Waheeda’s emotions—whether it is anger, hatred, defeat, betrayal, or revenge—show on her face all at once. She realises that her sister, Mallika used her as a pawn to win a court case against Fareedan (played by Sonakshi Sinha). Now, Waheeda’s dreams of having the Khwaabgah will never come true. In this scene, Sanjeeda beautifully conveys every emotion, and what the camera captures for its viewers is the wane of the old Waheeda, who feels helpless, and the emergence of a new Waheeda, determined to seek revenge from Mallika Jaan as she says, ‘Aapne sirf Rehana aapa ka hi nahi humare aarmano ka bhi katal kiya hai aaj.’
Different Shades of Waheeda’s Character
As the series progresses, the various layers of Waheeda’s character are revealed. One of these layers is her insecurity due to the scar on her face. It gives the audience a sense of how she feels that someone else could steal her thunder in terms of beauty and even age. However, the scar has also added a great touch to her character, serving as a constant reminder of her journey – from who she once was, to who she has become, and who she is determined not to become. Because of the complexity of Waheeda’s persona, the audience can see her flipping from one side to another. At times, she acts as an informant for Fareedan, while in other instances, she becomes a pawn for Mallika Jaan in the struggle for power against Fareedan. Consequently, there are moments in the show where viewers can empathise with Waheeda’s pain and sense her drifting away from her own identity, her acute vulnerability.
This is a Sanjeeda Shaikh show
SLB’s series beautifully captures Sanjeeda’s evolution as an actor. Every time Sanjeeda appears on the screen, each scene forces you to think how unlucky Waheeda is, whether it is in terms of her relationships or destiny. What is worth noting here is how Sanjeeda has shattered the stereotype that TV actors are only confined to television. It is not just the role of Waheeda that stayed with people, audiences have also seen her come a long way. Her versatility shines brightly, starting from her debut when she played Namrata, a childish, homely, and bubbly role in Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka, to switching to a completely different role in Kayamath, where she essayed the grey character of Ayesha Shergill. Sanjeeda’s career trajectory, spanning over two decades, reflects her versatility and adaptability as an actress. Early in her career, Shaikh often played characters known for their innocence and grace. However, Heeramandi showcases a new dimension. She might have failed to become Heeramandi’s huzoor but has gained a forever space in our hearts, where she’s living in her Khwaabgah… rent-free!
