Fatima Sana Shaikh rose to immense fame with her standout performance in Aamir Khan’s Dangal. However, the journey leading up to the film did not come without challenges. During a recent interaction, the actress opened up about her early experiences in the industry, revealing how she faced the reality of the casting couch during the initial years of her career.
During a conversation with Bollywood Bubble, Fatima explained how every studio had its own auditions, which were often discovered through word of mouth among struggling actors. However, casting directors would be present at these studios and would ask actors of their references on the audition forms. Later, when the actors receive their payment for commercials or advertisements, they would find that a portion of their earrings had been taken by the same casting director.
She recalled, “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.”
However, the actress also clarified that reputed casting directors would not indulge in such practices. “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,” added Fatima.