{
  "id": 9940621,
  "title": "YRF’s casting director told Anjali Anand: ‘When you lose weight, we’ll do something’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/yrfs-casting-director-told-anjali-anand-when-you-lose-weight-well-do",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-26T07:48:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/yrf-casting-director-shanoo-sharma-anjali-anand-when-you-lose-weight-well-do-something-10894808/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Anjali Anand, a trained actor and dancer born to actor parents, faced numerous challenges in her acting career. Despite her talent, she struggled to find work, even after losing her savings and moving abroad. However, when she was finally offered a role in a Karan Johar film, she was cast as the lead in Dhamaal 4. Anjali recounted her experience with casting director Shanoo Sharma, who allegedly told her, \"When you lose weight, we'll do something.\" The casting director's comments came from a place of concern, as Anjali's mother believed she had no industry backing or a \"godfather.\" Anjali's mother also expressed disbelief when Anjali informed her about meeting Karan Johar, stating that Anjali's lack of industry support was the reason for her struggles. Despite Dhamaal 4 being Anjali's lowest point, she eventually landed the lead role in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Anjali's mother was surprised by Anjali's success, as she had previously rated Dhamaal as merely an \"average\" film. The casting director's comments reveal the industry's discriminatory tendencies towards Anjali, who has faced criticism for her weight, including being offered roles that mocked her appearance.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Anjali Anand, trained actor and dancer, struggled to find work in acting.",
    "Casting director Shanoo Sharma allegedly told Anjali to lose weight for future roles.",
    "Anjali's success in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani contrasts with Dhamaal 4."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}