Life in entertainment is rarely a smooth ride. Actors often face many setbacks. But some moments stick with you, changing how you see yourself. Actor Abhinav Shukla, known from “Bigg Boss 14,” recently shared one such story. It’s not just a lesson for him, but for many hopefuls starting out.
For those dreaming of Bollywood or TV, hearing “no” is common. But what if that “no” chips away at your belief in yourself? Abhinav told about a tough meeting he had.
The “Spark” That Wasn’t
It was 2014. Abhinav’s film “Roar” was about to release. Friends told him to meet a casting director at Yash Raj Films. He decided to give it a shot. This meeting with Shanoo Sharma could have been a big break. Instead, she turned him down. Her reason? He looked good, but he lacked “spark.” Those words stung. They really hit his confidence hard.
A New Direction
Abhinav didn’t let that stop him. He used the experience to push himself. He kept working on his craft. Years later, fate brought him to a different door. He met the famous director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. This time, the reaction was totally different. Bhansali praised Abhinav’s talent. He even asked why Abhinav hadn’t worked more. It was a complete flip from before.
Abhinav was even cast in Bhansali’s film “InshaAllah.” The movie later got shelved, but the experience meant a lot to Abhinav. He learned a big lesson that day. Sometimes, the people who don’t see your worth actually lead you to those who truly appreciate what you offer. Abhinav shared this on social media. His message was clear: every rejection doesn’t just close one door; it opens many new paths.
Another Story, Same Lesson
Abhinav isn’t the only one with a story like this about Shanoo Sharma. Before him, actress Iisha Talwar also spoke up. You might know Iisha from “Mirzapur,” “Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo,” or “Article 15.” She shared a strange audition experience from her early career. It was also with casting director Shanoo Sharma. Iisha said that Shanoo badly broke her confidence during that audition. These stories show that setbacks are part of the journey, but how you handle them truly defines you.