‘Thattathinu Mariyathu’ actor Isha Talwar opens up about uncomfortable audition request

Actor Isha Talwar, known best for her work in ‘Thattathin Marayathu’, ‘Mirzapur,’ ‘Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo,’ and ‘Article 15,’ opened up about a weird experience she faced during an audition for a role by casting director Shanoo Sharma. The actor said she was glad she was asked to perform a scene at a restaurant in Mumbai with customers dining next to her table. She added that experience shattered her confidence and said she was glad she did not go ahead with casting director Shanoo Sharma’s request because she did not want to compromise on her dignity.
“So, when I started auditioning for roles with Shanoo...i was told to perform a scene at a restaurant called Mia cucina in Versova, Bombay... a Crying scene in the middle of a busy working restaurant with customers dining next to my table..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...it shattered my confidence as a young girl in films...i couldn't understand why a senior casting director needed to put a young girl through this...it is only fair that an actor is given a good casting office space to be able to audition in...or if you want to do a real location then hire a spot, pay for it and audition! Anyway just putting this story a decade later for all the new comers 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 given into the weird ask and surely dint cry at a restaurant for a role!!! she wrote, and concluded it with the words.. Dignity first always (sic),” she concluded.

She made the comment under a post by a prominent entertainment website, which published an interview of Sanoo Sharma. Soon after, Mary Kom actor Bijou Thangjaam also shared a similar experience and said he too did not give in to the casting director’s demands. Shanoo Sharma is a successful casting director in Bollywood and was the one who discovered Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, for the film ‘Saiyaara’.