The chatter around Ahaan Panday and Aneeth Padda’s film Saiyaara is still loud. The surprise hit has not just brought two fresh faces into the limelight but has also put one name back in focus casting director Shanoo Sharma. She was the one who brought these two together for Yash Raj Films’ mega project. Who is Shanoo Sharma? Shanoo started her career in Mumbai’s theatre and creative circle before stepping into casting. Aditya Chopra spotted her ability to discover new talent and brought her into YRF. She shot to fame when she introduced Ranveer Singh in Band Baaja Baaraat. Who all has she launched? Ranveer’s debut was just the start. Shanoo went on to pick Bhumi Pednekar for Dum Laga Ke Haisha and Vaani Kapoor for Shuddh Desi Romance. Her eye for raw actors turned these films into stepping stones for many careers. Was she behind Arjun Kapoor and Anushka Sharma too? Arjun Kapoor’s first film Ishaqzaade also had her hand in its casting. While “the entire credit for casting Anushka Sharma in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi goes to Aditya Chopra” reports confirm Shanoo played a key role in the process. With Saiyaara she once again struck gold by pairing Ahaan and Aneeth leading to a blockbuster. How does she pick actors? Shanoo is known for seeking out people who don’t belong to traditional film backgrounds. She is said to conduct multiple auditions and long interviews before finalising faces. This rigorous method YRF insiders say is what brings unique energy to her finds. Has she faced any controversies? With fame came criticism. Online forums like Reddit have posts accusing Shanoo of “gatekeeping” and favouritism in casting. Her name even surfaced in discussions after Sushant Singh Rajput’s case when “questions were raised over YRF’s contract and casting decisions”. Mumbai Police had called her in for questioning back then. Why does Saiyaara matter so much? Apart from its success Saiyaara is being seen as another reminder of the influence casting directors have in shaping careers. Ahaan and Aneeth’s sudden rise is as much Shanoo Sharma’s story as theirs.