Actor Isha Talwar, widely known for her performances in Mirzapur, Thattathin Marayathu, Article 15, has spoken out about a deeply uncomfortable audition experience that, she says, left her shaken as a young actor trying to find her footing in the film industry.

In a candid comment on Instagram under The Hollywood Reporter India’s post, Isha called out Yash Raj Films’ casting director Shanoo Sharma for asking her to perform a crying scene not in a private studio or office but in the middle of a packed restaurant in Mumbai.

“It shattered my confidence as a young girl in films,” she wrote, sharing that the experience took place at Mia Cucina in Versova. "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.”

According to Isha, the justification given to her at the time was that she should have “no inhibitions as an actor.” With Shanoo Sharma and her team sitting across the table, Isha was expected to deliver an emotionally charged performance in full view of unsuspecting diners. The experience left her bewildered and disillusioned.

“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 further revealed that she refused to go through with the bizarre request, and unsurprisingly, didn’t get the role. But more than the missed opportunity, she now looks back with pride for standing her ground.

“At least I dint give in to the weird ask and surely dint cry at a restaurant for a role!,” she added, ending her post with the hashtag #DignityFirstAlways.

By sharing this experience over a decade later, Isha said she hopes to offer support to newcomers in the industry, encouraging them to set boundaries and not feel pressured into compromising situations during auditions.