EXCLUSIVE: Fatima Sana Shaikh RECALLS shocking casting couch experience for South film; says, “They would say it indirectly but…”

Fatima Sana Shaikh, best known for her exceptional performance in Aamir Khan’s Dangal, recently opened up about the challenges she faced in the industry during her early days. In a candid conversation with Bollywood Bubble, Fatima Sana Shaikh shed light on her struggles, including encountering the harsh reality of the casting couch and dealing with exploitative practices by casting directors.

Fatima exposes fraud casting directors

During an interview with Avinash Pal, Fatima shared how aspiring actors in Mumbai often fell prey to unethical practices. She explained how casting directors at various studios demanded a cut from actors’ earnings under the guise of ‘references’. Recalling her experience, she said, “Even if we were at the audition through word-of-mouth, the casting director would ask us to write down our reference. That means you have to give 15 percent of your payment to them, despite not knowing them at all.”

Fatima emphasised that credible casting directors do not engage in such activities, highlighting the difference between professionals and fraudsters. “Known casting directors won’t do that; only fraud people would. Of course, Mukesh Chhabra and Anmol Ahuja don’t do that. But there are shady individuals who take advantage of young, struggling actors who are new to the city and don’t know much,” she added.

Fatima Sana Shaikh on her casting couch experience

Reflecting on a casting couch encounter, Fatima recounted a call she received regarding a role in a South Indian film. The casting agent made her uncomfortable with his repeated insinuations. She shared, “He asked me, ‘You will be ready to do everything, right?’ I told him that I will be working hard and will do what is required for the role, but he kept saying that, and I played dumb because I wanted to see how low can he get.”

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She also narrated an unsettling experience in Hyderabad while hoping to secure a South film role, which she thought could be a stepping stone to Bollywood. Fatima recalled, “The producers would talk about it very openly, ‘You know, here you have to meet people’. They wouldn’t say things outright but would imply them in strange ways. Of course, they’d say it indirectly but make their intentions clear. They’d say things like, ‘You have to meet people’, or ‘You have to do this and that’.”

Further sharing about the same, Fatima said, “But not everyone is like that. Unfortunately, some have had very bad experiences. It’s heartbreaking to hear stories about what some actors and actresses have gone through. These incidents are sad, and we often hear about abuses faced by even the most famous actors and actresses.”

More about Fatima

Fatima Sana Shaikh will be next seen in Metro In Dino alongside Sara Ali Khan, Aditya Roy Kapur, Konkona Sen Sharma, Ali Fazal and many others. Helmed by Anurag Basu, the film is likely to be released in 2025. Fatima is also known for her roles in Thugs Of Hindostan and Sam Bahadur.

Watch the full interview here

Exclusive written and transcribed by Sarni Rathod.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Fatima Sana Shaikh on NOT getting respect in supporting roles; says, “Hurtful to be treated as a second-class human being”