Many incidents have come to light where casting directors make uncomfortable and absurd demands from actors. These requests often leave actors feeling uneasy and disrespected.
In one such case, Isha Talwar, the actress known for Mirzapur, Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo, and Article 15, publicly called out Yash Raj Films’ casting director Shanoo Sharma. She revealed that during an audition, Shanoo asked her to cry in the middle of a busy restaurant. Isha was shocked by this bizarre demand and refused to perform such a scene in public just to get a role.
Isha opened up about how this experience affected her confidence as a young actress. She found it hard to understand why a senior casting director would put a newcomer through such an ordeal. According to her, auditions should be held in a proper office space. If a real location is necessary, the production house should rent it and conduct auditions there respectfully.
Her honest revelation has brought attention once again to the harassment many actors face during auditions. Sometimes actors are made to audition in public places where they are vulnerable and exposed to onlookers. In worse cases, they are asked to strip or show their bodies so casting directors can judge if they are “sexy” enough for the role.
People inside and outside the industry know about such unethical practices, but very few take strong action against them. Even when complaints arise, these behaviours keep happening. Actors hesitate to speak up as it might hurt their chances for future roles. Sadly, this toxic cycle continues without much change.
