Mandala Murders Actor Piloo Vidyarthi Backs Shanoo Sharma's Casting Process: 'She's Clear…'

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Piloo Vidyarthi praised Shanoo Sharma's casting process for Mandala Murders. Recently, several actors called out Sharma for her 'weird' audition process.
Piloo Vidyarthi, who has been earning praise for her portrayal of Kalindi Shastri in Mandala Murders, believes that the role's success had as much to do with trust as it did with her craft. In an exclusive conversation with News18 Showsha, the seasoned actor credited casting director Shanoo Sharma for recognising her potential and giving her the platform to deliver. Please note, the interview was conducted days before Sharma was called out by several actors for her 'weird' casting process.
It was YRF casting lead Shanoo Sharma who roped in Piloo Vidyarthi as Kalindi Shastri in Mandala Murders. Praising her stance, Vidyarthi told us, '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".
The actor emphasised that this clarity of vision is rare but invaluable in the industry, especially for performers who thrive when directors and casting teams believe in them. Vidyarthi's journey with Mandala Murders was, in her own words, 'a satisfying experience" because the makers gave her character weight, space, and importance.
Piloo Vidyarthi says Mandala Murders is not about black magic
Speaking about Mandala Murders, and whether she believes in the supernatural herself, Piloo Vidyarthi told us, 'No, (laughs)." She then went on to speak about the show. She revealed that the brief she received wasn't about mysticism — it was science. 'It's actually not what people think. It's a sci-fi series set in the Indian 1952 context. My character was part of a scientific cult… researchers and engineers who believed in natural energy transfers, from the arms, head, body, and mixing them. The story was about energy, not black magic."
But public perception was very different. 'They were outcasts as witches. But that's what makes the story so fascinating. It's not ghosts or black magic. People in opposition used to comment that they are performing black magic, so burn them. But they didn't burn, they continued with what they are doing."
Why is Shanoo Sharma making headlines?
Recently, Isha Talwar, known for her acclaimed roles in Mirzapur, Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo, and Article 15, spoke out against a bizarre and uncomfortable audition experience she had with YRF casting director Shanoo Sharma.
'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.
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