Starring as Iqbal nicknamed Balli in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar," actor Rajat Kaul recently responded to criticism directed at co-star Sharmin Segal's performance.

'Bambai Meri Jaan' and 'Special Ops' actor Kaul denounced the harassment and called for compassion and understanding. "This know-it-all attitude can be really irritating," he said. Being wiser is something I believe we as a civilization and a culture need to understand since it takes various kinds of people to create this planet."

Kaul questioned trolls' mentality, saying, "I don't have much to say about people who seem to be unhappy all the time. Ultimately, one often sees something of themselves in what they criticize in others." Stressing Segal's contribution, he discounted the criticisms' flimsiness.

Looking back to a boyhood memory of meeting Manisha Koirala in ancient Goa and then working with her on "Heeramandi," Kaul commended her commitment and performance in the show. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, 'Heeramandi' is now available on Netflix and stars Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, and Aditi Rao Hydari among others.