Heeramandi Actor Rajat Kaul Aka Iqbal Explains Relevance of His Character, Bond With Satto and Phatto | Exclusive

Acclaimed director and writer, Sanjay Leela Bhansali made his foray into the world of OTT platform with his recent web series, “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.” The show debuted on Netflix on May 1, 2024, and has been captivating audiences since. Multiple co-stars from the period drama made the headlines sharing their views on Heeramandi. In a candid interview with India.com, Rajat Kaul who plays the character of Iqbal delves into his recent experience in the captivating world of “Heeramandi.”

Rajat portrays a side character in SLB’s period drama. Kaul shares his experience working with acclaimed director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He continues to share the challenges he faces while delving into the character. Kaul shares anecdotes from the set, shedding light on his experiences working with Satto (played by Nivedita Bhargava) and Phatto (played by Jayati Bhatia) in the period drama. Scroll down to read more.

Rajat Kaul Reveals The Importance of Iqbal In Heeramandi

In an interview with us, Rajat recalls the moment when he plays the character of Iqbal. He says, “Iqbal shows you the other side of Shahi Mahal, which is quite important (sic).” Talking about the importance of the character Kaul further adds, “Iqbal shows the life behind the tawaifs who were these beautiful women that were kept behind the Shah Mahal (sic).” The character takes you on a journey where it shows you the life beyond the kothas. It is necessary to break out from the zone because it gives you a reality check. The Shahi Mahal is flamboyant and is shown as larger than life. I believe Iqbal, Satto, and Phatto were the characters who give a ground-level reality check (sic).”

Rajat Kaul Shares His Experience Working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Working in Heeramandi, Rajat shares his experience working with Bhansali who made his debut on OTT by releasing the one-of-a-kind period drama. Rajat praises SLB’s direction, music, and production. Kaul adds, “Bhansali never loses his calm on the sets. This man has done so much. He gives you the opportunity to portray your best. He knows who fits the character. I have never seen him lashing out at anyone. (sic).”

Rajat Kaul On Rape Scene of Mallikajaan

Bhansali’s period drama instantly caught the viewers’ attention, right from the sets to numerous Bollywood and TV actors. A particular sequence that becomes the topic of discussion is the scene where Mr. Alastair Cartwright (played by Jason Shah) sexually assaults Mallikajaan (portrayed by Manisha Koirala) to bail out her youngest daughter Alamzeb (played by Sharmin Segal) from prison. Asking his views about the controversial scene Rajat shares his point of view. He says, “If we talk about the scene, one should know the timeline. It is not relatable in the present. The story is based in the 1920s, it was a different world back then. It is not great to talk about, it is not good to think about it. It shows how Britishers have ruined our culture.” He further believes that the particular scene is a ‘cinematic element’ of the series.

Rajat Kaul’s Relationship with Satto and Phatto

In Heeramandi, Iqbal’s screen time was mostly with Mallikajaan, Saima (played by Shruti Sharma), and Satto and Phatto. We asked him how his bonds were with Satto and Phatto. Rajat says, “We had unsaid bonds, we constantly giggle on sets. Phatto (played by Jayati Bhatia) used to call me Balli all the time off the camera as well. It was amazing working with them. I felt that Balli was like their son in the period drama. They took care of me, when, Saima left and I returned from jail. It was amazing collaborating with Satto (Nivedita Bhargava) and Phatto. Even though we didn’t have much to talk about, we gave each other loads of jhappi.”

Rajat Kaul’s Professional Front

Rajaut Kaul, with his screen presence and versatile performances, carves a niche for himself in the Indian film industry. Born into a family of military background and with no film connections, Kaul’s journey to cinema is a testament to his talent and determination.
Kaul’s career is marked by an exploration of diverse roles, ranging from intense dramas like TAJ to lighthearted comedies like Kismet Love Paisa Dilli. He effortlessly transitions between complex characters, leaving a lasting impression on audiences. His collaboration with directors like Rensil D’Silva and Sanjay Leela Bhansali has further solidified his position as one of the most promising talents in Indian cinema. Beyond his on-screen endeavors, Kaul is also known for his philanthropic work, using his platform to advocate for social causes close to his heart. As he continues to captivate audiences with his performances, Rajaut Kaul remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring actors across the country.