Ahaan Panday's Mom Deanne Hails Shanoo Sharma Amid Casting Controversy: 'So Much To Say…'
YRF casting head Shanoo Sharma was recently called out in public by Mirzapur actor Isha Talwar for her 'weird' casting practices. Her comment on an Instagram post grabbed headlines, with many questioning Bollywood's casting practices. Amid the chatter, Ahaan Panday's mother, fitness expert and author Deanne Panday, publicly praised Shanoo Sharma for her casting choices for Saiyaara.
Sharing photos from the Saiyaara success bash on Instagram, Deanne penned a heartfelt note to those who have been part of Ahaan Panday's journey, but her words for Shanoo Sharma stood out. 'My @shanoosharmarahihai I have so much love for you, so much to say to you, will sit with you soon to pour my heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for being there for my Ahaan, love you," read a part of her note. Take a look:
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A post shared by Deanne Panday (@deannepanday)
Deanne also expressed gratitude to Saiyaara's director Mohit Suri, co-star Aneet Padda, and other members of the team, calling her son 'my heart, my soul, my life, my everything." Fans lauded the post for its warmth, with many praising the bond between Ahaan and his well-wishers in the industry.
Mandala Murders actor Piloo Vidyarthi hails Shanoo Sharma's casting process
It was YRF casting lead Shanoo Sharma who roped in Piloo Vidyarthi as Kalindi Shastri in Netflix's Mandala Murders. Praising her stance, Vidyarthi exclusively told News18 Showsha, 'Shanoo Sharma knows what I can deliver. She has a different audition process. She didn't meet anyone for Kalindi. She knew and she called me and made me audition 2–3 times. She is clear about what she wants. She has been associated with YRF for a long time and knows her job. She knows that she wants me, she will extract that from me and pass it on saying, 'She is the one'. She has that hold. You need more such casting directors".
Why is the Shanoo Sharma controversy?
'I was told I should have no inhibitions as an actor and hence should be able to cry at a table with Shanoo and her assistants watching me," Isha wrote as a reply to a user on Instagram. Calling the experience 'confusing and weird," she added that it 'shattered [her] confidence as a young girl in films."
Isha criticised the lack of professionalism, arguing that casting directors should either arrange an appropriate space for auditions or cover the cost of a controlled venue. Choosing to stand by her principles, she declined to audition in such conditions and, as expected, lost the role. Still, she says she has no regrets about her decision. 'At least I didn't give in to the weird ask and surely didn't cry at a restaurant for a role!" she wrote, ending her post with the hashtag #DignityFirstAlways," she said.
Soon after, Manipuri actor Bijou Thaangjam reacted to Isha Talwar's comment on Instagram, revealing that he had a similar experience with Shanoo Sharma too.
Reacting to Isha Talwar's comment about her audition experience with Shanoo Sharma, Bijou Thaangjam commented, '@talwarisha I hear you! My very first film audition was with her, for Byomkesh Bakshy. I wasn't fluent in Hindi, not very confident, but hopeful to give it my best. And just like your experience, I was asked to perform a scene right in front of a café, the one that used to be called Bru World, Yari Road. I didn't give in. A few days later, her assistant called me back for a proper studio audition. But by then, I had already signed Mary Kom." Bijou played the role of Naobi in Omung Kumar's 2014 film Mary Kom, starring Priyanka Chopra.
First Published:
August 10, 2025, 12:09 IST
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