Heeramandi's 'Ustadji' Indresh Malik says Sonakshi Sinha's mom was present when they shot intimate scene: 'She said…'

Recently, actor Indresh Malik reflected on filming an intimate scene with co-star Jason Shah for the show, highlighting Bhansali's meticulous approach to filmmaking.

"The scene didn't need many retakes, which was satisfying because Sanjay sir doesn't settle until he achieves what he wants. He's such a perfectionist. Although I was nervous about the scene since it featured a man being close to another man, Jason and I discussed it beforehand for about an hour and then went with the flow," he shared during a conversation with Bollywood Now.

Opening up about playing a queer character, Ustadji, in the show, Malik said he was drawn to the role because it appeared challenging and asserted that since day one, he knew that it was tailor-made for him. "That character has all sorts of emotions. As soon as I got a call from the casting department, I responded that it's made for me."

He also recalled a humorous incident on set involving actor Sonakshi Sinha, with whom he shared many scenes. "During one scene, Sonakshi ji had to grab my head with her legs. Her mother Poonam Sinha ji was also present, which made me a bit self-conscious. However, Sonakshi reassured me. She told me not to be conscious, asked me to relax, made me comfortable, and said she will do the necessary. I have such lovely memories from the show's set."

In her review of the series, The Indian Express' Shubhra Gupta wrote, "It's when Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Netflix show turns its eyes on the faded grandeur of its 'Lahore ki ranis' in their gilded cages, grime peeking out from behind their finery, that the show is most effective."