The internet is collectively wiping away tears and clapping with manicured hands after a heart-wrenching video of Paatal Lok actress Tillotama Shome resurfaced online¡ªone that is equal parts gut-punch and mic-drop.
In the viral clip, Tillotama opens up about a moment that stuck with her for years: a director once casually told her she would never make ¡°that kind of money¡±¡ªand not because she lacked talent, but because the industry just ¡°worked that way.¡± Oof. The kind of backhanded compliment no one asked for.
Shome, who began her acting journey with Mira Nair¡¯s Monsoon Wedding in 2001 and went on to shine in shows like Paatal Lok 2, shared how the moment unfolded. At a wrap party, she was chatting with the crew when someone asked her what she was truly lusting after. Her answer? A car¡ªone that came with a very specific price tag. She said she could buy it if she ever got paid that much for a film.
And then came the buzzkill: the director jumped in with what he framed as a reality check. As per Shome¡¯s account, he told her¡ªkindly but firmly¡ªthat no matter how talented she was, she would never earn that kind of money. Mic drop, but not the good kind.
But plot twist: Tillotama did go on to bag her dream project. Creatively fulfilling and everything she had manifested. But here is the kicker¡ªshe spent four whole months negotiating her fee like an absolute boss. When the dust settled, she got paid double what she had casually mentioned at that party.
And in true poetic justice fashion, she messaged that same director: ¡°Just closed a deal and got paid this much. Thought you should know¡ªmaybe do not tell other actors what they cannot do.¡± Whew. Someone give her a standing ovation and that car in matte black.
Shome said the moment was deeply personal but also empowering. ¡°Sometimes, potential is invisible. True friends are the ones who see what the world can¡¯t,¡± she added.
Lesson? Never underestimate a woman with talent, a dream, and receipts.