Mumbai: A few days after ‘Mirzapur’ actress Isha Talwar shared her unusual audition experience with casting director Shanoo Sharma, television actor and ‘Bigg Boss 14’ contestant Abhinav Shukla revealed his own encounter.
In an Instagram Story on Monday, Shukla recalled an incident from 2014, just before his film ‘Roar’ was released. He met Yash Raj Films’ casting director Shanoo Sharma, who complimented his looks but said he lacked the essential “spark.” This feedback left a lasting impression on him.
“When my movie Roar was about to release, my well-wishers encouraged me to meet Yash Raj Films’ casting director. She told me, ‘You are a good looking guy, but that’s it; the spark is missing. You can audition, but…,’” he shared on Instagram.
Shukla went on to describe a later meeting with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the project ‘Inshallah,’ where he received very different feedback. Bhansali praised him as “super talented” and wondered why he hadn’t worked more. Although the film was eventually shelved, Shukla saw this as proof that setbacks can lead to connections with those who truly appreciate your talent.
“Years later, I was face-to-face with Sanjay Leela Bhansali Sir for his next film, Inshallah. SLB was full of praise and repeatedly asked, ‘How come you haven’t worked so much? I saw the audition; you are super talented.’ The movie got shelved, but my destiny changed! @talwarisha, I relate to you, and I believe insults are chances to meet people who value your talent and time!” he wrote.
Shukla’s post was in response to Isha Talwar’s earlier statement, where she revealed that Sharma once asked her to perform a crying scene in a crowded restaurant, which deeply affected her confidence.
Shanoo Sharma is credited with discovering talents like Ranveer Singh and Parineeti Chopra, and recently auditioned leads for Mohit Suri’s hit film ‘Saiyaara.’
Abhinav Shukla is known for movies such as ‘Aksar 2’ and ‘Luka Chuppi,’ and TV shows including ‘Chhoti Bahu,’ ‘Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai,’ and ‘Diya Aur Baati Hum.’ He has also participated in ‘Bigg Boss 14’ and ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 11,’ and currently stars in ‘Pati Patni Aur Panga’ alongside his wife, Rubina Dilaik.
