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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'
ETimes | August 8, 2025 8:39 AM CST

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.”



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. “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.



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