Posted on by dilipmerala

My meeting with Shanoo Sharma..

I had spoken with Shanoo a couple of months ago over the phone. I told her that I was an actor looking for a break and would like to meet her. She had said that she was very busy and had no time to meet anyone but that I can send her my pictures by email. I did that immediately after the call but at that time, I was not very confident those pictures would work. As expected, I did not hear anything from her for the next two months. However, I decided to try again. So I messaged Shanoo this time saying that I am an actor and would love to meet her. I was surprised when after 3 days, she replied saying – “I am very busy right now. Please talk to my assistant Priyata on (cell number) and she will do the needful. Thanks.” This was a big surprise for me for two reasons –

1. Shanoo Sharma, the casting director for Yash Raj Films and many other projects like My name is Khan, I hate Luv stories, Yeh Saali Zindagi and Khoya Khoya Chand had actually bothered to reply to my SMS.

2. She had replied after 3 days..by then, I had already lost hope that she would reply and was looking for another way to get in touch with her!

Anyway, I saw a ray of hope here. I immediately called Priyata up. She did not answer my call. I waited for a couple of hours and tried again. This time she answered. I told her about my conversation with Shanoo and that I really wanted to meet her. She was very sweet, she listened to everything I said carefully and replied in a very polite tone – “The thing is, we are very busy with some casting work right now. So Shanoo can’t meet anyone. What you can do is, give me a call next week and then may be we can arrange for a meeting?”. That’s all that I wanted!! I thanked Priayata and told her I will call next Monday.

I was anxiously waiting for Monday because I realized how important this meeting with Shanoo was! It could change my life forever. Shanno could say – “Ok, I am casting for this film and you fit the bill..come and audition”. And then if I turn out to be good, I could be in the next Yash Raj film!! That’s like the biggest break one can imagine!! However, as destiny has it, you do not get a break so easily!!

I called Priyata on Monday and reminded her of our previous conversation. She remembered me and said she will talk to Shanoo and schedule a meeting in the next couple of days. I asked her if I should send her my pictures in the meantime. I had the fresh lot of pictures clicked by Swapz so I was feeling a lot more confident asking people if I should send them my pics 😛 She said – “Please do that..that would be great!!” What happened after this was unbelievable!! I went back to my desk, sent Priyata my pictures, and in the next 1 hour I get a call back from her – “Shanoo is free right now..can you come in 20 minutes?”. I was shocked, amazed, surprised, happy, nervous, and clueless too!! I told Priyata that I was in Andheri East and it would take me a lot of time to reach where Shanoo lives as the transit means going through the most pathetically crowded and busy road of the city – the Andheri Kurla road!! Priyata said – “Well, you have 20-30 minutes..try and make it”. I ran, picked up my bag, told my team leader Sanjay that I have to leave RIGHT NOW. He let me go since he gauged it was something important. I took off on my bike! You know, bike rides can be quite weird when you are with your thoughts and approaching something of this calibre. I don’t remember having seen a single thing, vehicle, person, shop, animal, or anything on the busy road. I was so lost in my thoughts about the meeting that the only thing that registered in my memory is Shanoo’s building when I reached there. I can’t recollect absolutely anything else about the ride between my office and Shanoo’s place. I was getting all kinds of thoughts – It must be the pictures that did the trick, may be they are good? Is it just by chance that this is happening? What the hell do I tell her? How do I start? Should I come across as nervous and someone who is desperate for work or should I come across as confident and flaunt a cool attitude? Shanoo must be meeting thousands of aspiring actors..how do I make myself look different? I think I should just be myself..but myself? Nervous, Underconfident, Not knowing what to say, Not looking my best (as I was caught off guard when Priyata asked me to come down immediately) – this was MYSELF at that point of time..so would being myself help? Passing through these wonderfully comfortable thoughts, I arrived at Shanoo’s building!

I rang the door bell and Shanoo opened the door. She welcomed me with a smile and asked me to come in. I could see Priyata and another lady standing at a distance. I took off my shoes and proceeded to the dining table where she offered me a seat and sat opposite me. On my way to the table I said, “Thank you so much for agreeing to meet me!”. I was sweating from the bike ride in the hot sun and the heat of the situation of course. She came right to the point – “So Dilip, tell me.” I went blank but had to say something…So I went – “There is no perfect way of saying this so I will just say it the way I feel. I am a good actor and a good dancer. I am looking for work in films.” Just when I got some clarity of thought on what I will say next, she interrupted. She said, “What have you done?”. I said, “I have been doing theatre for the past 3 years.”

“Ok. Are you looking only for lead roles?” she asked.

I interpreted this question as “do you want to become a lead actor?” and replied “Yes!”. This was my goof-up I think because what followed was not very good. Shanoo asked me why I want to look only for leads. When I replied that it means more work, more money and a chance to showcase both my acting and dancing talent, she said a Boman Irani makes more money and does more work than many of the lead actors. I wanted to argue, explain, take a stand but thought it would be rude and it will mess up my own case. She then said what I thought should have been my answer – “You should take whatever comes your way and then if some director thinks you are good for a lead, he will cast you.” This was something that I knew. I knew that I would have to start small and work my way up. I don’t know why I said “Yes” when she asked if I was looking ONLY for lead roles. So when she said all this, I just agreed with her and said, I want to audition for anything that I am fit for and that my AIM is to play lead roles but I do not mind starting with whatever that comes my way. She then said, “Well, right now I am looking for people between 17 and 21 for Yash Raj, that’s what the market demands today and you have already crossed that age…However, I also keep getting other projects to cast and I will see if something comes up for you.” She then said what most people say to end a conversation like this – what Shahid said, what Honey Trehan said – “I have your pictures, I will let you know if something comes up.”

I realized that she wanted to end the meeting and probably wants me to leave. I felt bad that I had almost messed up this entire opportunity of meeting one of the most prominent casting directors of the country by coming across as a confused guy who doesn’t know what he really wants. But before I left, I wanted to say something more. So I went – “Thanks a lot! See, I am 25 years old and I really want to make a career in this industry. If I have to do something good, I MUST start now. I am confident that if I get a start, I will work things out and move up! So please let me know if there is anything for me.” This time, when I looked at her, I knew she was listening carefully and understanding what I mean .

She said, “Don’t worry. I will definitely let you know. Right now, I am going to be busy with the YRF 17-21 year-old casting for a while..almost 3 months..but you can call Priyata every 2 months and follow-up in case you do not hear from me. ” When she said this, I felt that it almost meant that I am NOT going to hear from her and that I need to follow up like several other aspiring actors do. I felt that I had lost an opportunity. May be I was expecting too much from the meeting. What else could come out of it? It was silly of me to think that Shanoo might immediately cast me for something. I was disappointed that I could not leave a mark and the impression I left on her was not great! I put on my shoes, thanked her once again and left the building. As I approached my bike, I said to myself – this was round 1!! I knew that I would need to repeat this entire process once again 3 months later. Not just with Shanoo, but also with other casting directors, and directors and producers too! I was lucky that Shanoo was so sweet and nice to me, others might not be! I could see in her eyes that she wanted to help me and everything she was saying was genuine advice! It was me who expected too much and goofed up. Anyway, meetings might not always go as planned but I would need to learn from them and be better in the ones that come!

Right now, I am carrying on with the hope that I do actually hear from Shanoo some day…

Regards..

85 Replies to “My meeting with Shanoo Sharma..”

  1. Hi Dilip,

    I am trying to get into bollywood films as an actress too. I am very inspired after reading your blog to work harder at it. Could you please send me the contact info for Shanoo Sharma and any other reputable casting director.

    Thank You

  2. hey dilip,
    i too am a struggling actore like ur and i have been desprately trying to get shanoo’s number or email id for that matter…could u pls help me by either emailin me (sweet_me15@hotmail.com) her number and her id…along with her assitant priayata’s contact details..
    thanks a ton buddy..
    all the best for ur future

    P.s : please help me by passing on their contact details. thanks 🙂

  4. Hi…
    I think shanoo will definitely call you…
    Everthing happens for good…
    Take care…
    All the best…
    Enjoy….!!!!

    1. Hi Sheena,

      As a principle, I do not disclose any contact numbers (hope you understand why!). However, I can give you her email ID, the one that is given to aspiring actors to send in their pictures.

      I tried emailing you on the ID that you have provided but the email seems to bounce back. Give me an alternate ID and I will do the needful.

      Cheers,
      Dilip

      2. heyy this mehul i hav jst started my career as a model & actor..if it is possible for u…so can u give me shanno’s e-mail id asap….so tht i can mail her my pics my id is monu1953@yahoo.in

      3. dilip sir hii sir i m irshad bhatt i m strugling alot sir bt plz sir can u mail me mam id or her priyata mam ka number or her id plz sir i in need i plead b4 u sir plz my is iabhatt612@gmail.com number 09552186578

  6. It is very inspiring to see how hard you are working to try out your luck. I am really touched and moved with your stories. Keep posting buddy and best of luck!

  7. Hi, You have sacrified for ur carreer. Your dreams will be successful one day. ALL THE BEST

  8. hey, its so weird that i found out ur blog. I am an aspiring actor too, originally from dehradun. good luck to you buddy, god bless you.

  9. Hey Dilip, I’m sure you’ll hear back from Shanoo. I’m much older than you and also an aspiring actor. It’s never too late to follow your dream. May I also get Shanoo’s email ID to send her pics?
    Thanks

  10. Hi Dilip,

    I wish you all the luck! Can you please give me the email ID of Shanoo and other casting directors 🙂

    Thank you in Advance 😉

  14. Hi Dilip , I know it’s tough to get the entry into bollywood as a lead , But we need to just move on the path we selected , to reach the destination , Anyways the thing is I want to get in touch with U so here’s sharing my E mail Id – 1arjunyemul@in.com – E mail me … ( I need to discuss something on the same )

  15. Hey Dilip keep going and dont stop, take any work that comes to you! I know you can accomplish your dream, I hope you make it ! can you give me the e-mail adress for shanoo so I can send my pictures also? my e-mail is blazezm@yahoo.com thanks!

  16. Having known Shanoo for years I can say she is a fabulous lady and her word is her bond. If she gets something for you she will definitely let you know. All the best.

    1. Sir myself irshad i have been struggling n tried alot auditions sir if u have mam kamber ya id plz reply i m in need sir plz sir plz plz b a limelight for this poor struggler plz sir my id sir iabhatt612@gmail.com n my number 09552186578

  17. could you please send me shanoo’s email as well? It would be much appreciated!
    Thanks

  18. hey …. nyc try …. all d best for ur future …!!!! n pls pls cud u gimme her id 2 n her proper address…. i`d b greatful 2 u ..!!!i`d like 2 hav ur personal id 2 …. pls …pls …i`d b grateful …!!!!

  21. Hi shanoo,I m Shaurya i contacted u on 17 june on ur email id & i also mail some my pics & u in reply asked for contact no.i then mail again my contact no now i m wating for ur call im mailing u again my pics to u in case u just forget about me but please dont forget me

  22. hey dilip, first i’d liek to say that ur story really touched me. keep at it! you’ll find work! trust me. Also can you please email me the email id of shanoo sharma as i am also an aspiring actress.

  23. Hi,
    I just sent Shanoo a message and was wondering when I’d hear from her when I came across this and read it. I really hope she calls you for something. It would motivate me and many others to keep going. Sometimes God makes you wait to see how much you want something to happen….I really hope it’s the silence you hear before the storm. Best wishes.

    1. Hi Maya,

      I was wondering if you could give me the email address that you sent Shanoo a message at?

      Thanks!

  27. Hi Dilip

    Could you please send me the contact info for Shanoo Sharma and any other reputable casting director.

  28. Hey Dilip,

    Could you please send me shanoo’s email id on my id? it would be really helpful.

    Thanks in advance! 🙂

  29. hy dilip..touched by your post…just as you even i want to get into this industry…since long time i am trying to get in touch with SHANOO SHARMA but have been unsuccessful… i could find her contact number or her office/home address…..so if you can give me her contact number then that will be of a great help to me…..i will be really very thankful to you if you can help me…thanks… will wait for your reply….

  35. hello dilip uncle,
    I am just 7 year old young boy and wish to grow my carreer in film industry can u guide me how to approach casting directors and also if u have ms shanoo sharma email id or can give me priynata cell number i will be really thankful
    My email id is vinayanju@hotmail.com
    Rgds and love
    Vihaan

  37. Hey Dilip,

    I just came across your blog today and started reading about your journey! It’s amazing to see how much of a struggle it is to make it in this cut-throat field. However, I have a question for you. I am also an aspiring actress, butI do not live in India. I am based in Los Angeles. Would you have any recommendations of which agencies I can contact? Or any specific places where I can seek e-mail addresses of casting directors for production houses, such as the one for yrf or others? Let me know!! Thanksss

    Best,
    Priya

    1. Hey Dilip & Priya,

      I am in the same boat as you, Priya. Dilip, if you have any advice or any suggestions as to how to obtain email addresses for casting directors, I would greatly appreciate if you could also let me know!

      Thanks!
      Mausam

  38. Hi Dilip,

    I am inspired by your story and have pretty similar dreams. I was hoping that you would be able to give Shanoo’s email address?

    Thank you!

  39. Hey Dilip,

    1st of all its very nice of u to share ur experience with other aspiring actors as it helps to understand how to deal with people especially when you are searching for acting jobs…dont worry bro u didn;t goof up anything..u told her exactly what you wanted…so on plus point u had clarity of thought…but she only gave you the right advise that if in case tomorrow you get a chance to act as supporting actor do not say no to it coz u never know which role will get you noticed. but yes i do understand your feelings…there is no better way than to get a fantastic dream debut launch that Hrithik got and if not so grand but yet gud launch that ranveer singh got but not all have the same luck or same destiny right…anywys never give up on ur dreams always keep trying hard..if u fail, then try harder…once day u will get what u dreamed all these years…this advise is for all the aspiring actors & actresses…all the best to all of u..

    also dude can u give me the mail id of Shano

  40. Hey dilip I really liked ur hard work ….. Please send me shanoo’s email I’d bcoz I really need it I don’t know where to start from and after reading ur story I think I can make it ….plz do send me her email I’d and number plz… Thank u so much !!!!

  42. dilip -interesting and at the same time inspiring stuff….
    i have been doing gujarati theatre for over a year now…..can u please give me the email ID of Shanoo……..mine is
    dedhia_dheer@yahoo.com

    please mahn

  43. HELLÖ DEAR DILIP SIR,,,

    THIS IS AARUSH KAPOOR FROM RISHIKESH HAD A TRUE WISH ÖF BEING AN INDIAN ACTÖR… I AM A BORN BOLLYWOOD ACTOR.. PLZ GIVE ME THE E-MAIL ID OF SHANOO MAM ON MY E-MAIL aryanchaudhary80@yahoo.in and u can also contact me on 9808642420…. GÖD BLESS U ALWZ… {AARUSH}

  44. Hi Dilip,
    You must be regretting that you mentioned about the email id of Shanoo…I’m Kamiya Walia and still struggling after 5 years being a dancer and performer but anyway if you really don’t feel I’m pestering you without working as hard as you for the contact….kindly share whatever information you can ….at least the mail id ……I’m taking dance training for 5 years and doing theater…but all in vain…..but anyway …..your article was worth reading….kindly mail me the Id only if you feel it is ok to ….:) my id is…… greatfriend111@gmail.com ……it is embarrassing to ask for this but actors are helpless 🙂

  45. Hey Dilip, im also a struggling actor! please can u give me her email id..i also want to make a career in bollywood! please dilip..help me 🙁

  46. i m serious about my carrier but i don,t hav money if you give me 1 chance i show what i m plz help
    9769593977
    9869622323

  50. Hi Brother,

    I am a struggling actor such as yourself too and have faced countless rejections. I’m currently 29 years of age, and have always tried to pass myself as a character actor. Could you please send me Shanoo Sharma’s email id so that I may contact her?

    My email ID is khayaal2009@hotmail.com
    This is going to be my last ditch effort to make something work. Please send me her ID at your earliest convenience. It will be greatly appreciated.

    Thanking you in advance and God Bless

  51. Hey dude, Ii really have to make my name in this field so if u can send me shanoo’s e mail id it would be great for me because i think at the good time i read ur blog pls send me pls dude!!!!!!

  53. Dude… Ranveer sharma’s debut wad nothing short of a dream debut! He was one of the luckiest new comers in d industry! Especially coz he doesnt come from a filmi background…

  56. Hi Dilip, i dont really like to read Blogs of people but after reading your blog i felt nice and got many things to learn from you. You r really a true struggler and i pray to God that like Ranveer Singh u get a big launch in bollywood.

    I also want to become a actor and i want to get a big launch in bollywood. Would u please help me by sending shanoo sharma’s email ID on my mail at oretranveer@yahoo.com.
    I will be waiting eagerly for your reply.

  58. Dude, I have nothing to do with film industry and neither I am interested. But all the best for your dream….I wish you find your break….And hey there is one article on Sahnoo and YOU have been mentioned in that for this blog…Thought will share with you if you have not read it…
    http://www.caravanmagazine.in/arts/dream-girl

  61. at which life stage r u Dilip? r u okay to send/upload your profile on my Mail/site.

    u already got my details. right.
    Thanx
    R;s
    CIN 🙂
    Cheers.

  62. Hi Dilip, inspiring article, wow! May I request you to share Shanoo’s email address with me, so that I can send her a few of my snaps? My email is niyokin@yahoo.ca (not .com) and I would indeed be very grateful if you could do this for me.

    Thanks & Regards,
    Aveek

  64. Hey Dilip

    Very inspiring story and im sure when the time and opportuinity is right you will get your call…

    It would be a great help if you could pass on shanoo mam’s email id as i would like to approach her too. Been looking for an opening for long now and i would like to give a try here too.

    Thanks a lot
    My email id is : kush.sharma02@gmail.com
    Or
    bjbenny91@gmail.com

  74. Hi Dilip

    It was great to see you in “2 states”. I am a new guy in mumbai struggling to get work in films. I am currently seeing the same days which you’ve seen in the past.Thank you, so much for guiding new struggling actors like me. Hope to meet and connect with you soon. (goel.ayush1991@gmail.com)

    Regards
    Ayush

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