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| Fatima Sana Shaikh |
Fatima Sana Shaikh recently revealed unsettling experiences that have shaped her view of the South film industry—citing exploitative casting practices and disrespect that left a lasting impact.
Uncomfortable Casting Proposals
The actress recounted an audition where a casting agent repeatedly asked, “You will be ready to do everything, right?” despite her clarifying she only meant dedication to the role. “I played dumb because I wanted to see how low he could get,” she shared 1.
Openly Suggestive Atmosphere
In Hyderabad, during auditions, she noticed producers hinting at “you have to meet people” — a coded request to engage in favors rather than perform a job. “They wouldn’t say it outright… but they made their intentions clear” 2.
Widespread Industry Issues
Fatima emphasized that this isn’t limited to one region. She spoke about unethical casting directors in Bollywood who demand payment cuts (often 15%) and exploit newcomers, noting that fraudsters exist everywhere in the industry 3.
The Impact on Her Perspective
These experiences left her shaken and wary. As one of Bollywood's more outspoken actresses, she believes sharing her story can empower others and prompt much-needed industry change. Her conclusions are clear: without reforms, trust and safety in film casting remain vulnerable.
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