Actor-comedian Jamie Lever, daughter of Bollywood veteran Johny Lever, has disclosed a disturbing incident where she was asked to strip during what turned out to be a fraudulent audition for an alleged international project.
Jamie, 37, recounted the incident during an interview, saying she received an audition request early in her career, at a time when she did not have a manager and had made her contact details publicly available. “They mentioned there would be a video call. The script wasn’t provided because they wanted it to be improvised,” she said.
On joining the Zoom meeting, Jamie was told that the supposed director could not switch on his video due to travelling. The person praised her physical suitability for the role and claimed the project was a major international film.
Improper demands during the call
“The man said I would portray a bold character and there would be an intimate scene,” Jamie said. “When I asked what I was supposed to do, he said, ‘Imagine there’s a 50-year-old person in front of you, and you’re trying to charm him. If you need to strip, say something, or do anything, feel free.’”
Jamie expressed discomfort and insisted on sticking to a script, only to be told there was none. “If you expect me to strip during this video call, I am not comfortable with that. I wasn’t made aware of this,” she told the caller before quickly turning off her camera. She later realised that the encounter was likely part of a scam designed to exploit aspiring actors.
A warning to artists
Jamie highlighted how such scams prey on vulnerable individuals in the entertainment industry. “It could’ve been a massive scam. They could have recorded me. It was a blessing that I used my presence of mind,” she said.
About Jamie Lever
Jamie began her career as a stand-up comic in 2012, performing at The Comedy Store in Mumbai, and later gained recognition through Sony TV’s Comedy Circus. She has appeared in films such as Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon, Housefull 4, Bhoot Police, and the Telugu film Aa Okkati Adakku.