Actor Shalini Pandey recently shared a shocking incident from her early career when a South Indian film director barged into her vanity van without knocking while she was changing. The Arjun Reddy actor opened up about the uncomfortable experience and how it shaped her approach to setting boundaries in the industry.
Shalini Pandey on the Incident
In a candid interview with Filmygyan, Shalini recalled the distressing moment, stating, “Very early in my career, I was doing a South film, and the director walked into my van. He didn’t knock, and I was changing. He just opened the door and entered. This is a girl who has just done her first film.”
Despite being advised by industry insiders to remain polite and avoid confrontation to secure future projects, Shalini reacted instinctively. “As soon as he entered, I wasn’t even thinking, it was just a reaction—I yelled. I lost my shit. I was 22,” she revealed.
Following the incident, she was told that she “shouldn’t have yelled.” However, she stood her ground, stating, “Just because I am new, you cannot just enter without knocking. You cannot do that to me.”
Setting Boundaries in the Industry
Shalini admitted that early in her career, she was exposed to “extremely horrid and chauvinistic men,” which forced her to establish strong boundaries. While she initially reacted aggressively, she later learned to handle such situations strategically. “I realised how to manipulate such things rather than just snap at people,” she shared.
Shalini Pandey’s Career
Shalini Pandey gained widespread recognition with her debut in Arjun Reddy (2017), directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring Vijay Deverakonda. Since then, she has worked in multiple films across different industries.
Her most recent project, Dabba Cartel, received critical acclaim. The film featured an ensemble cast, including Shabana Azmi, Anjali Anand, Jyothika, Nimisha Sajayan, and Sai Tamhankar.
Conclusion
Shalini’s revelation sheds light on the challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry, especially those who are new and lack influential connections. By speaking out about the incident, she hopes to inspire young actors to stand up for themselves and demand respect in professional spaces.
Sources By Agencies
