Latest news with #Shanoo
NDTV
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
After Isha Talwar, Mary Kom Actor Reveals Awkward Audition Demand By YRF Casting Director Shanoo Sharma: "I Didn't Give In"
New Delhi: Yesterday, Mirzapur actor Isha Talwar recalled her experience of auditioning with YRF Casting Director Shanoo Sharma, who is currently basking in the success of Saiyaara. Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda's talent caught her eye, and rest is history. In the comments section of one of Shanoo's viral interviews, Isha wrote her experience and said she was asked to do a crying scene in the middle of a busy Mumbai restaurant. Now, Mary Kom actor Bijou Thaangjam has also opened up about how he was made to feel awkward during his very first audition demand for Detective Byomkesh Bakshy by Shanoo Sharma. What's Happening Mary Kom fame Bijou Thaangjam revealed how Shanoo Sharma had asked him to enact a scene in the middle of a cafe as well. This was his first-ever film audition for Sushant Singh Rajput-led Detective Byomkesh Bakshy. Bijou said, "@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 cafe, the one that used to be called Bru World, Yari Road." He added, "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." Reddit What Isha Talwar Said About Shanoo Sharma "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... It shattered my confidence as a young girl in films," Isha wrote. Isha said she didn't get the role, but she doesn't have regret about it. She added #dignityfirstalways to her post. "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! Anyway, just putting this story a decade later for all the newcomers 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 didn't give in to the weird ask and surely didn't cry at a restaurant for a role!" Isha wrote in the comment. Shanoo Sharma hasn't responded to the accusation yet. In A Nutshell One day, after Isha Talwar spoke about the mistreatment faced by her while auditioning for YRF casting director Shanoo Sharma, Mary Kom actor Bijou Thaangjam, who had a similar experience with Shanoo has spoken up. He revealed how he was asked to perform in front of a cafe, too, but he did not give in.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Aneet Padda performed Alia Bhatt's ‘Highway' scene for ‘Saiyaara' audition; casting director Shanoo Sharma calls her ‘gold': ‘She blew my mind'
Aneet Padda , a rising star in Bollywood, has a special connection with the actress Alia Bhatt . Not only is Aneet a long-time admirer of Alia, but her debut film, 'Saiyaara', also shares ties with Alia's family. The film is directed by Mohit Suri , Alia Bhatt's cousin, which makes the connection even more interesting. But now there's one more link revealed made Aneet's journey into Bollywood even more special. The audition that changed her path For her audition in 'Saiyaara', Aneet performed a famous scene from Alia's film 'Highway'. This was a key moment that impressed the casting director, Shanoo Sharma. She recalls how she first contacted Aneet when the actress was just 19 years old. Shanoo said, 'Aneet, I contacted her when she was 19, for a part in 'Vijay 69'. I saw her on a video call and was like, 'She's stunning. She's beautiful.' She was doing her whole college zone at that time. So she was like, 'Ma'am, I really don't know if I can skip. I have exams.' I said, 'Okay, that's fine. But whenever you're done with college, come to me first.'' Shanoo's promised to work with Aneet Shanoo adds, 'I said, 'I want to work with you. I want to do something with you. Just come to me first.' Now, Nitya Mehra, she had seen her short film, which I hadn't. I hadn't seen any of Aneet's work. Nitya had taken her (for Big Girls Don't Cry), and I was unaware of this.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 30 Remarkable Women from 80–100 Years in the Past Undo Their meeting again in Mumbai The two met again when Aneet came to Mumbai to promote 'Big Girls Don't Cry'. Shanoo remembers, 'We worked for two to three days, did photoshoots and everything. I gave her a scene, which is the bible scene, 'Highway'. I gave her that scene and called a senior actor, Manish Wadhwa, to do it with her. We shot that, and I was like, 'I have gold. I have gold in my hand.' She blew my mind. She won me at hello.' 'Saiyaara' turns a blockbuster success Aneet's debut film 'Saiyaara', starring alongside Ahaan Panday, has become a huge success. Released on July 18, the film has crossed Rs 500 crore at the global box office. It is now counted among the biggest hits of the year.
News18
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
YRF's Casting Director Met Actor In 'Dark', Asked If He Smoked And Gave Film Due To 'Creepy' Laugh
Last Updated: Shanoo Sharma met this actor in a dark place where his eye colour popped. He later nailed his audition, debuting in Mardaani 2. Vishal Jethwa delivered one of the most chilling and memorable debut performances in recent Bollywood memory with YRF's Mardaani 2. Cast as the serial rapist 'Sunny," Vishal Jethwa juxtaposed raw intensity with calculated menace, making him the perfect nemesis to Rani Mukerji's relentless SP Shivani Shivaji Roy. In a recent chat with The Hollywood Reporter India, casting director Shanoo Sharma recalled how she cast him in the film. Shanoo Sharma said, 'Mardani 2, had we had options. We had star options. We had newcomers, and we were like done casting for that part." She mentioned that Vishal Jethwa had previously auditioned for a role at YRF, so she found his clip in the archives while collating clips for a previous film. Vishal immediately captured Shanoo's attention, who then enquired about his acting background. Upon learning that he was a small-time TV actor, Shanoo set up a meeting with him the same evening. She recalled, 'I met him in a dark place where there was low lighting, and his eyes were popping. I asked, 'Beta tu kal mere liye audition karega?' He said, 'Haan, ma'am.' I gave him the script. It was that long monologue. I didn't tell him to do the dialect." Vishal met Shanoo and her team of 10-12 people the next day. Shanoo said, 'He did the first audition, and it was not bad. I said, 'Tu cigarette peeta hai?' He said, 'Nahi.' I said, 'Chai peeta hai?' He said, 'Haan.' We were in Aram Nagar because my office was getting renovated and I said, 'Bahar ja ke ek cup chai pe ke aa… Tu apna full potential bilkul nahi dikha raha hai.'" The actor followed Shanoo's advice and nailed his second audition. 'I watched him and I was stunned. I was like, yeah, this is going to be war now because this has to be in the film," Shanoo said. She praised Vishal for not being too groomed, and when he asked her how he performed, she said, 'Bohot sahi tha, yaar." Shanoo added, 'It just came out of my mouth…and he laughed. He went like… he did some weird laugh. And in that laugh, I knew he was the guy. That laughter was so creepy that I knew he was the guy." She said, 'Vishal is completely a very special story for me purely for this sense of I'm seeing auditions and fatt kar ke I've stopped at this guy." The casting director mentioned that it's 'not easy to share a frame with Rani Mukerji" due to her acting talent, but Vishal held his own and 'gave his life" to the film. Shanoo Sharma revealed that even Rani Mukerji called her to praise Vishal's acting chops. About Mardaani 2 Mardaani 2 (2019), directed by Gopi Puthran, is a hard-hitting crime thriller that continues the story of fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy, played by Rani Mukerji. The film tackles the disturbing theme of gender-based violence and delivers a strong social message wrapped in an intense, fast-paced narrative. Set in Kota, Rajasthan, the story follows Shivani Roy as she tracks down a brutal and remorseless rapist and serial killer, portrayed chillingly by Vishal Jethwa in his breakout role. Mardaani 3 In Works Yash Raj Films officially confirmed Mardaani 3 during the release anniversary of Mardaani 2, with Rani Mukerji reprising her role as the fierce cop, Shivani Shivaji Roy. The film is slated to release in 2026. Abhiraj Minawala will direct the film; he's been associated with several YRF projects like Sultan, Gunday, Tiger 3, and War 2. The screenplay is written by Aayush Gupta. First Published: August 08, 2025, 11:08 IST 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
4 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.
News18
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
She Launched Ranveer & Vaani, Gave Ahaan & Aneet 'Saiyaara', But Faced Heat Over Casting Choices
Last Updated: Shanoo Sharma's first major breakthrough came with Band Baaja Baaraat in 2010 when she spotted an unknown Ranveer Singh and pushed for his casting in a lead role The name behind the rise of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda is now echoing louder than ever in film circles. With the unexpected success of Saiyaara, a Yash Raj Films production, much of the spotlight has turned to the woman who shaped its cast – casting director Shanoo Sharma. While the two fresh faces of Saiyaara are basking in glory, few know that this isn't the first time Shanoo has introduced stars who went on to become household names. Ranveer Singh, Vaani Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, and even Arjun Kapoor all owe a piece of their early success to her keen eye for talent. Shanoo Sharma is not your typical industry insider. She didn't come with a famous last name or an inherited network. Instead, she began in the creative backstreets of Mumbai with theatre circuits, indie spaces, and offbeat gigs. It was her raw understanding of performance and presence that caught the attention of none other than Aditya Chopra, who brought her into Yash Raj Films at a time when the studio was redefining its image for a new generation. Shanoo's first major breakthrough came with Band Baaja Baaraat in 2010 when she spotted an unknown Ranveer Singh and pushed for his casting in a lead role. The gamble paid off. The film was a hit, and Ranveer became an overnight sensation. That marked the beginning of a streak. Bhumi Pednekar followed, a casting choice few expected. At the time, Bhumi was working behind the scenes at YRF. But Shanoo saw potential and cast her in Dum Laga Ke Haisha. Similarly, Vaani Kapoor, who made waves with Shuddh Desi Romance, was handpicked and groomed by her. Even Anushka Sharma, widely seen as Aditya Chopra's discovery in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, had early support from Shanoo during her selection process. While the final decision rested with the director, those in the know credit Shanoo for strongly backing the then-unknown model from Bengaluru. But her casting process is no walk in the park. Known for her exhaustive audition routines, Shanoo often sits through hundreds of screen tests. She doesn't restrict herself to film families or elite circles. Many of her picks come from outside Mumbai, often from small towns or unconventional backgrounds. Her emphasis is on performance, screen presence, and the elusive X-factor. Yet, it hasn't all been smooth sailing. For all the stars she's helped rise, Shanoo Sharma had also found herself in the middle of a serious controversy. Following the death of Sushant Singh Rajput, her name surfaced on social media and forums like Reddit in discussions around alleged casting biases and the opaque nature of YRF's internal processes. Accusations of favouritism, 'get-tipping", and discrimination were flung at her, though no formal charges were filed. The Mumbai Police even summoned her during their investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput's case, focusing on contractual issues related to YRF's talent management. Shanoo stayed away from the spotlight during that phase, but the whispers around her name never quite faded. Some see her as a power-wielder in an industry with few gatekeepers; others argue she's one of the few who has genuinely tried to break the nepotism cycle by introducing fresh talent. 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.
