MUMBAI: TellyChakkar.com is back with an interesting yet informative update from the world of television. 

Lately, there have been many fraudulent cases related to casting in the industry. A few people are constantly trying their luck in manipulating budding actors in the name of work and milk out money from them. They ask for a huge amount of money from budding actors in return for a meaty role in television shows. However, they don’t stick by their words and disappear post receiving money from the actors. (Read here: Schedulers are NOT respected in this industry: Casting director Sohan Thakur) 

Recently, there have been cases about fake casting coordinators asking money to cast actors in Jay Mehta Productions’ shows. 

Well, now we’ve learned that Arvind Babbal Productions, which is helmed by Arvind Babbal and has backed shows like Yeshu and Kyun Rishton Mein Katti Batti, has also faced the same. 

TellyChakkar.com got in touch with Sohan Thakur, the Casting Head of Arvind Babbal Productions. In a candid chat, he revealed his experience about the same. 

Sohan said, “An actress with whom I’ve worked with called me and informed me about a guy who was claiming that he was in touch with Arvind Babbal Productions and was asking money from actors in return for work in daily soaps. The actress knew that I’m the one associated with the production house for years and hence she brought the matter to my notice. She shared the person's contact number with me. What happened next was quite surprising. I called on the number but it went unanswered. Later, I thought to message him on Whatsapp and as soon as I punched the number on Whatsapp, I found a chat with this particular guy. He had forwarded me several profile links and was a struggling actor himself. He tells everyone that his name is Aadarsh. However, his real name is Janab Shah. Later, I called him on Whatsapp and recorded the conversation from a different phone. From his voice and way of talking, I got the confirmation that the guy is Janab Shah and is only faking to be some Aadarsh. We have lodged a complaint against him in Dindoshi Police station.” 

Sohan further added, “I would hereby like to request all the budding actors to not fall prey to such fraudulent acts. Please get your facts right. Nobody, I repeat, nobody can give you work in exchange for money. If the person promises a role in exchange for money, please take the cue that the person is just fooling around with you and isn’t genuine. There are agencies who can find work for actors but for that, you have to sign a proper contract.” 

We hope with Sohan’s word of caution, the budding actors will be alert henceforth. 

Thank you, Sohan! 

Stay tuned to this space for more updates. 

(Also read: Sohan Thakur: By the grace of God, I was very busy half of this year! )