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News18
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Mandala Murders Actor Piloo Vidyarthi Backs Shanoo Sharma's Casting Process: 'She's Clear…'
Last Updated: 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. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Mirzapur actor Isha Talwar calls out YRF casting director Shanoo Sharma over ‘weird' audition: ‘Shattered my confidence'
Actor Isha Talwar, known for her roles in Mirzapur, Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo, and Article 15, has called out Yashraj Films' casting director Shanoo Sharma for a weird ask during an audition meeting. Isha mentioned that she still doesn't understand why she put her through this. Isha Talwar revealed that she met Shanoo Sharma for an audition 10 years ago. Isha Talwar slams Shanoo The actor took to the comment section on Instagram under a publication's post to recall the incident where Shanoo asked her to perform a crying scene in the middle of a crowded restaurant. Isha shared that she was shocked by the request and decided not to cry at a restaurant for a role. '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,' Isha wrote in the comment. The Mirzapur actor continued, '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's 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!' Isha mentioned that she decided to put out her incident to help newcomers navigate the industry. She added, '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 dint give in to the weird ask and surely dint cry at a restaurant for a role!' She wrapped up her post with the hashtag: Dignityfirstalways. Isha started her career as a model. Shanoo is known for spotting the actor in Ranveer Singh, Parineeti Chopra and has helped Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor make their debuts. She is yet to react to Isha's claim. More about Isha Isha started her career as a model and made her film debut with the Malayalam film Thattathin Marayathu (2012). She is known for her role in projects such as Gunde Jaari Gallanthayyinde, Bangalore Days, Maine Pyar Kiya and Article 15. She has also worked on web projects such as Mirzapur, Saas, Bahu Aur Flamingo and Indian Police Force.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Isha Talwar recalls ‘weird' audition with YRF's Shanoo Sharma, asked to cry in a busy restaurant: ‘It shattered my confidence as a young girl in films'
Isha Talwar , who is known for her acclaimed work in Mirzapur, Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo, and Article 15, has opened up about an uncomfortable and bizarre audition she faced early in her career. Taking to social media, Isha shared her story as advice to newcomers entering the film industry. The audition at a crowded eatery In a detailed comment under a publication's post, Isha recounted how she was once asked to perform a crying scene at Mia Cucina, a busy restaurant in Versova, Mumbai, right in the middle of service, surrounded by diners and waitstaff. She wrote, '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.' Isha Talwar: Helped my dad shift to online banking Calling for dignity in auditions Isha further questioned why a senior casting director would put a young actor through such a situation. She stressed that auditions should take place in a proper casting office space or a hired real location. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why is everyone rushing to get their hands on this new air cooler? News of the Discovery Undo 'I do remember saying I can't do it and of course I never got the role... but at least I didn't give in to the weird ask and surely didn't cry at a restaurant for a role! #Dignityfirstalways,' she concluded. Meanwhile, Shanoo Sharma is currently enjoying a career high at Yash Raj Films following the success of her latest discoveries, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. Their debut film Saiyaara has turned into a box office juggernaut, grossing over Rs 500 crore worldwide.
News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Isha Talwar Calls Out YRF's Shanoo Sharma Over ‘Weird Audition': ‘It Shattered My Confidence'
Last Updated: In a detailed comment, Isha recounted an audition scenario that left her shaken. She was asked to perform a crying scene in the middle of a crowded restaurant. Actress Isha Talwar, known for her acclaimed roles in Mirzapur, Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo, and Article 15, has spoken out against a bizarre and uncomfortable audition experience she had with YRF casting director Shanoo Sharma. Isha took to social media to share her story and offer advice to newcomers in the industry. In a detailed comment under a publication's post, Isha recounted an audition scenario that left her shaken. She was asked to perform a crying scene in the middle of a crowded restaurant, Mia Cucina in Versova, Mumbai, surrounded by real diners and waitstaff. '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. Calling the experience 'confusing and weird," she added that it 'shattered [her] confidence as a young girl in films." Isha questioned the logic behind such an unprofessional setting, saying a casting director should either provide a proper space for auditions or pay for a controlled location. Ultimately, she refused to perform under those circumstances and, as she noted, did not get the role. But she has no regrets. '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. This revelation has sparked discussions about professionalism and boundaries within casting processes in Bollywood, especially for newcomers trying to find their footing. Meanwhile, Shanoo Sharma has been in the spotlight for launching Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda in YRF's upcoming film Saiyaara. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Shanoo shared how she discovered Ahaan at the age of 19, calling him 'intriguing" and saying she knew right away they'd work together. 'He was 19 when we met, but he looked 15! I spotted a post of him online and reached out," she revealed. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Mandala Murders Actor Piloo Vidyarthi Reveals Whether She Believes In Black Magic: 'Won't Say…'
Last Updated: Piloo Vidyarthi discussed her role in Netflix's Mandala Murders, emphasising its scientific basis over black magic. She also revealed whether she believes in the supernatural.. When we caught up with Piloo Vidyarthi for a conversation about her layered and commanding performance in Mandala Murders, we knew we were in for an honest, thoughtful take on her career, life after her divorce from actor Ashish Vidyarthi, and more. And she surely didn't disappoint. Her latest show with Vaani Kapoor, Netflix's Mandala Murders, took a surprising turn in its final episodes, leaving the audience on the edge. The show blends supernatural elements with sci-fi and thriller. In an exclusive conversation with News18 Showsha, we asked Piloo Vidyarthi if she believes in the occult and whether she thinks black magic exists. Here's what she had to say. Speaking about Mandala Murders, and whether she believes in the supernatural herself, Piloo Vidyarthi said, '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 outcast 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." Piloo Vidyarthi reveals whether she believes in black magic She traced back her thoughts on black magic and said, 'I won't say that I disbelief it completely because during my bad days, I do tend to think whether someone has done something to me (laughs). Then when the situation turns, these thoughts don't occur." Piloo Vidyarthi speaks about her acting process, Dimple Kapadia's performance in Saas, Bahu Aur Flamingo Smiling at the love her performance received, Piloo Vidyarthi opened up about her process. 'I don't watch series to perform. I socialise. I have a very small circle of close friends… I watch content but not with the intention to pick up anything, because acting can never be picked up." For her, acting is instinctual. 'It's my take on things. It develops organically. Good performances definitely feed you, but I believe if you're a good actor, you don't try to act. The moment you try to act, it becomes… acting," she explained the process. This grounded philosophy extends to her admiration for seasoned performers. 'When I saw Dimple Kapadia in Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo, she wasn't 'acting'. She was that character. That's what makes it so beautiful." For her, the joy lies in working with good directors and sincere co-actors. 'Monica Chaudhary was brilliant. We had worked together earlier on The Wedding Story. My theatre colleague played Vikram Singh's mother — such a beautifully layered performance." Piloo Vidyarthi talks about Mandala Murders co-star Vaani Kapoor Piloo Vidyarthi also spoke about Vaani Kapoor, who worked with her in Mandala Murders. 'She's very natural," said, recalling her time on set with Vaani. 'She and I spoke briefly about our scenes. She had come all the way prepared. But what stood out to me was how consistent she is. Whether it's with the director, her co-actors, or the crew, she's the same – always calm, focused, and collaborative. That, I believe, is her strength," she expressed. Apart from Mandala Murders, Piloo Vidyarthi was also a part of Kajol, Prithviraj Sukumaran and Ibrahim Ali Khan's Sarzameen. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
