'Heeramandi' actor Indresh Malik aka Ustaadji reveals he cried after 'Nath' scene with Sonakshi Sinha, says, 'Sanjay Leela Bhansali gifted me Rs. 500 as love token'

Originally intended as a minor role, Ustaad Ji's character expanded significantly throughout the series, evolving into a central figure thanks to Malik's nuanced portrayal.

Indresh Malik, an actor from the web series 'Heeramandi', shared a heartfelt experience from the set that moved both him and the audience. During a pivotal scene, known as the 'Nath' scene, Malik's performance was so impactful that it earned him a special token of appreciation from the director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Malik portrays a transgender character named 'Ustaad Ji' in 'Heeramandi', a series that delves into the lives of residents in a red-light district during undivided India. The series marks Bhansali's debut in web series and has been praised for its depiction of the complex lives and the vibrant culture of its characters.

In the 'Nath' scene, despite having no dialogues, Malik's emotional execution was profound. He described that, as Bhansali explained the scene, he felt an overwhelming connection to his character's journey and the symbolic respect gained through the 'Nath', which is typically a nose ring associated with respect and dignity in Indian culture.

Malik recounted, "There was someone who accepted me, the one who gave me warmth. That moment when the scene was done, I was crying for almost five minutes or more. I can't cry silently, so I howled. There was a pin-drop silence."

Moved by Malik's performance, Bhansali approached him, acknowledging the depth of his portrayal. Malik recalled, "Sanjay Sir came to me, he said, 'Dekho, rota jaa raha hai, itna achha toh kiya!' Then he hugged me and gave me Rs. 500 on the sets as a token of appreciation."

The role of Ustaad Ji, initially meant to be a short-term part, evolved into a significant character as the series developed. Malik's portrayal added layers to Ustaad Ji, making him a central figure in the series. This role and scene highlighted not just the struggles but also the nuanced victories of marginalized characters, resonating deeply with the audience.

This experience on the set of 'Heeramandi' was a testament to the powerful storytelling and the emotional depth that the actors bring to their roles, creating moments that are both cinematic and deeply personal.