MUMBAI: In an effort to protect aspiring actors from fraudulent practices, filmmaker Ektaa Kapoor’s production house, Balaji Telefilms, has issued a public warning against fake casting directors who are misusing the company’s name. The notice, shared across social media platforms, is a direct response to individuals taking “undue advantage” of vulnerable talent seeking a break in the industry.
Official Statement Warns of Impersonators
On Wednesday, Balaji Telefilms released a formal statement clarifying that two individuals, Vishal and Pooja, who operate an Instagram account under the name @pooja_castingdirector and claim to be ‘Assistant Casting Directors’ for the company, have no affiliation whatsoever with the production house.
The statement read, “We unequivocally disassociate ourselves from this individual and strongly condemn any attempt to misuse our company’s name or reputation to take undue advantage of aspiring actors.”
The production house further emphasized that all official casting for Balaji projects is conducted exclusively through its official and verified channels. The notice urged aspiring actors and the public to “exercise caution and refrain from engaging with such fraudulent representations,” and was captioned with a clear message: “Your dream deserves safety. Don’t fall prey to fake casting calls. Always verify. #BalajiTelefilms.”
This is not the first time Ektaa Kapoor’s company has had to address such a problem. The production house has previously filed police complaints and issued public warnings against similar scams, highlighting a persistent issue in the film and television industry where impersonators demand money from hopeful actors for auditions or roles.
Ektaa Kapoor’s Recent Work
The warning comes as Ektaa Kapoor continues to dominate the television landscape with her recent projects. The revival of her iconic daily soap, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, starring Smriti Irani and Amar Upadhyay, has become a major success. Returning to television after 17 years, the show’s premiere on July 29th was met with immense nostalgia and has been topping TRP charts, even outperforming other popular shows with a massive viewership.
Adding to the excitement, Ektaa surprised fans by announcing a brand-new season of her long-running hit, Naagin 7. While the cast for the upcoming season has not yet been officially revealed, the announcement has already created a significant buzz among her fans.