Casting agent Ravi Ahuja reacts to trolling of Sharmin Segal post 'Heeramandi': 'We need to take it sportingly and keep improving' - Exclusive

Ravi Ahuja, a seasoned casting agent in Bollywood since 2015, has facilitated roles for international talent in notable films like ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Heeramandi.’ In a recent interview with ETimes, he discussed the importance of adhering to new regulations requiring work permits for foreign actors.

While reacting to the recent inquiry called by the Mumbai police into foreigners working in Bollywood without a work permit and the strict caution by FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees), he told us, “Unfortunately, many casting directors/coordinators, to save their skin, do not adhere to norms, which causes the Government to be duped of monies in the form of taxation. If our Government becomes stricter, this problem can be avoided. We encounter these issues daily, as our artists on work permits don’t get jobs at times because an artist on a tourist visa is working for peanuts.”


Regarding the criticism faced by Sharmin Segal for her performance in ‘Heeramandi,’ Ravi defended her talent, praising her expressive acting style. "Her acting was in her eyes. As far as criticism is concerned, it’s a part and parcel of our lives. We need to take it sportingly and keep improving, as life is all about learning a new lesson each day. For me, she has great potential, surely,” he said.

Reflecting on working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali on ‘Heeramandi,’ Ravi commended the director’s professionalism and the efficient coordination of the production team in integrating foreign actors into the project.

"We had a couple of our actors shooting for Heeramandi, and it was an absolute honor to work with the living legend himself. Handling so many people on set is not a joke, but the way the production was organized was beyond imagination. Sanjay Sir knows what he wants from an actor, and his choice is commendable. Special thanks to the Shruti Mahajan Casting team for giving us this opportunity to get our foreign actors on this prestigious project,” he concluded.


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