Days after actress Isha Talwar stirred conversation by recalling an uncomfortable casting experience, another voice from the industry has stepped forward with a similar revelation. An actor who appeared in the acclaimed sports biopic Mary Kom has now alleged facing an awkward and unprofessional audition demand from Yash Raj Films’ well-known casting director, Shanoo Sharma.
The Shocking Claim
In a recent interview, the actor—who has chosen to remain partially unnamed in the public domain—claimed that during an audition for a YRF project, they were asked to perform an “intimate and suggestive” improvisation that had no clear relevance to the role being cast. The request reportedly came directly from casting director Shanoo Sharma during a one-on-one audition session.
“I was taken aback,” the actor recounted. “The brief made me uncomfortable and seemed unnecessary for evaluating my suitability for the role. I felt it was crossing a line, so I didn’t give in.”
Not an Isolated Incident
This revelation comes close on the heels of Isha Talwar’s own experience, where she described being put in an uncomfortable position during a casting call. While both instances differ in specifics, the common thread has been an actor’s refusal to comply with demands they felt were inappropriate or irrelevant to the audition process.
Industry observers note that such disclosures are slowly peeling back the layers on the power dynamics that govern Bollywood’s casting culture. “Actors often face situations where they must choose between protecting their boundaries and losing out on big opportunities,” said a senior film journalist.
The Actor’s Stand
Despite the potential career setback, the Mary Kom actor says they have no regrets. “Work will come and go, but self-respect stays. I walked out knowing I had stayed true to my comfort zone,” they explained.
The actor also highlighted the importance of creating a safe, transparent, and professional environment for performers, especially during auditions where individuals are at their most vulnerable. “Auditions should test acting skill, not personal limits,” they added.
Silence from YRF and Shanoo Sharma
As of now, Yash Raj Films and Shanoo Sharma have not issued any official response to the allegation. The casting director, known for launching and casting several high-profile actors in major YRF films, has often been seen as a gatekeeper to some of Bollywood’s most coveted roles.
However, such allegations—if left unaddressed—risk denting the credibility of the auditioning process in the eyes of aspiring actors.
The Larger Conversation
The Indian film industry has been having an ongoing conversation about boundaries, professionalism, and consent in casting since the global #MeToo movement brought several cases to light in 2018. While many production houses have introduced formal guidelines and Internal Complaints Committees, accounts like these show that grey areas still exist in the auditioning process.
Film critics and industry veterans argue that only systemic change—backed by strong policy enforcement—can eliminate questionable practices. “The audition room is a place for talent to shine, not for comfort zones to be tested in unrelated ways,” one filmmaker commented.
Standing Up, Speaking Out
By publicly speaking about the incident, the Mary Kom actor hopes to empower other performers to draw firm boundaries during auditions. “If something feels wrong, you’re allowed to walk away. No role is worth compromising your dignity,” they said.
With more actors coming forward, the industry may be compelled to rethink the power imbalance in casting and ensure that professionalism, transparency, and respect are non-negotiable elements of the process.
For now, the actor’s words serve as a reminder: talent should be the only thing on trial in an audition—not personal comfort zones.
