Recent revelations by actors Isha Talwar and Bijou Thaangjam have ignited a debate regarding casting practices in Bollywood, specifically focusing on the methods employed by Yash Raj Films (YRF) casting director Shanoo Sharma. Both actors have come forward with accounts of unconventional and uncomfortable audition experiences, raising questions about the ethics and professionalism within the industry.
Isha Talwar, known for her roles in projects like "Mirzapur" and "Article 15," described an audition where she was asked to perform a crying scene in the middle of a busy restaurant. She was told to have no inhibitions and to perform the scene with Sharma and her assistants watching. Talwar stated that this request felt "weird" and ultimately "shattered her confidence as a young girl in films". She refused to proceed with the audition under those conditions, sacrificing the role. Talwar believes that actors should be provided with a proper casting office environment, or if a real location is needed, the venue should be secured and paid for by the producers.
Following Talwar's account, Bijou Thaangjam, known for his role in "Mary Kom," shared his own experience with Shanoo Sharma. Thaangjam recounted his first film audition for "Detective Byomkesh Bakshy," where he was asked to perform a scene in front of a Mumbai café. Despite not being fluent in Hindi and lacking confidence, he was hopeful. He refused to perform the scene in such a public setting. Later, he was called back for a studio audition, but by then, he had already signed "Mary Kom".
Shanoo Sharma, who is credited with launching the careers of several prominent Bollywood actors like Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma, has faced criticism for her unconventional audition procedures. While the intention might be to test an actor's versatility, the experiences shared by Talwar and Thaangjam suggest that these methods can be demoralizing, especially for newcomers.
These revelations have sparked discussions on social media platforms about the need for a more respectful and professional audition environment in Bollywood. Many are emphasizing the importance of prioritizing an actor's mental well-being and dignity during the casting process. The stories shared by Bijou and Isha highlight the need for change in Bollywood's casting culture to ensure fair and friendly audition practices.
Prior to this incident, Bijou Thaangjam had also voiced concerns about unprofessional behavior from the casting team of the Alia Bhatt-starrer "Jigra". He alleged that he was kept waiting for shooting dates that never materialized, causing him to miss out on other opportunities and feeling "dismissive, almost discriminatory" due to being from the Northeast.
These recent controversies surrounding casting practices underscore the challenges and pressures faced by actors, particularly those who are new to the industry or come from marginalized communities. The call for more ethical and respectful audition processes is gaining momentum, with many hoping to foster a more supportive and inclusive environment for aspiring actors in Bollywood.
