Actor Isha Talwar, known for her roles in Mirzapur, Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo, and Article 15, recently opened up about an uncomfortable experience during an audition with Shanoo Sharma, the casting director at Yash Raj Films (YRF). Isha shared her frustration over being asked to perform a crying scene in the middle of a crowded restaurant, which left her “shattered” and questioning the request.
In a comment on Instagram, Isha revealed that this audition took place around 10 years ago at a restaurant called Mia Cucina in Versova, Mumbai. She was asked to cry in front of diners while Shanoo Sharma and her team sat nearby. Isha found the request both confusing and inappropriate, expressing that she couldn’t understand why a senior casting director would put a young actor through such a situation.
Isha recounted the incident, stating, “I was told I should have no inhibitions as an actor, and hence I should be able to do a crying scene with Shanoo sitting in front of me and some of her assistants. It was such a confusing/weird ask.” She explained that she refused to go through with the request, which ultimately resulted in her not getting the role.
Reflecting on the experience, Isha mentioned how it “shattered her confidence” as a young actor. She emphasized the importance of providing actors with a comfortable and professional environment for auditions, either in a proper casting office or at a hired location. “It’s only fair that an actor is given a good casting office space to be able to audition in,” she added.
Isha decided to share this story to guide newcomers in the industry, encouraging them not to feel pressured into uncomfortable situations. “Anyway just putting this story a decade later for all the newcomers to tell you that feel no pressure… I do remember saying I can’t do it and of course I never got the role… but at least I didn’t give in to the weird ask and surely didn’t cry at a restaurant for a role!” she wrote, concluding her post with the hashtag #DignityFirstAlways.
Shanoo Sharma is known for discovering talent such as Ranveer Singh, Parineeti Chopra, Alia Bhatt, and Arjun Kapoor, but she has yet to respond to Isha’s claims.
Isha Talwar, who began her career as a model, made her film debut in the Malayalam movie Thattathin Marayathu (2012) and is also recognized for her roles in Gunde Jaari Gallanthayyinde, Bangalore Days, and Maine Pyar Kiya. She has continued to build her presence in the industry with successful web projects such as Mirzapur, Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo, and Indian Police Force.
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