Actor Abhinav Shukla has opened up about two drastically different casting experiences in his career, one that left him disheartened, and another that gave him renewed confidence.
In an Instagram Story posted on Monday, Abhinav revealed that in 2014, around the release of his film Roar, he met Yash Raj Films’ casting director Shanoo Sharma. “When my movie Roar was slated to release back in the day, I was cajoled by my well-wishers to go meet YRF’s casting director. I did, and she told me: ‘You are a good-looking guy but that’s it, spark is missing, you can audition but…’” he recalled.
Years later, Abhinav had a very different encounter while auditioning for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s shelved film Inshallah. “I was sitting face to face with Sanjay Leela Bhansali sir for his next Inshallah. I remember SLB was all praise, all appreciative, and asked me many times, ‘How come you haven’t worked so much? I saw the audition, you are super talented’,” Abhinav shared.
Although Inshallah never materialised, he said Sanjay’s words left a lasting impact. “The movie got shelved; my destiny took a turn!” he wrote. Abhinav also expressed solidarity with fellow actor Isha Talwar, who recently revealed a demoralising audition experience of her own. “@talwarisha I can relate, and I think insults are an opportunity to meet the people who value your talent & time!” he wrote.