Utthara Unni Shares Experiences of Scams, Fake Calls, and Cyberbullying
The film industry is often considered glamorous, but it is also an area where various scams and frauds occur. Many aspiring actors and actresses, chasing opportunities, become easy targets for such schemes. Some individuals promise roles in movies or programs and then attempt to extort money. Utthara Unni, a young actress, has personally faced such experiences and recently spoke about them in an interview with Movie World Media.
Receiving Fake Calls from Impersonators
Utthara revealed that she has received scam calls from people claiming to be Antony Perumbavoor, a prominent figure in the industry. “My mother has been in the film industry for over 35 years. Even as her daughter, I received scam calls. People pretended to be Antony Perumbavoor and called me,” Utthara explained.
She recalled one specific example where someone called claiming they were casting her for an Imran Hashmi film. “If this is what I experienced, as someone already familiar with the industry, imagine how many calls young newcomers must be receiving,” she said.
Short Film “BAABA” Inspired by Personal Experiences
Utthara used these experiences as inspiration for her short film “BAABA”, which conveys an important message: “Do not trust everyone at face value.” She shared that the story also includes thoughts she had while traveling through North India. “My background in visual communication and my passion for filmmaking led me to explore this medium. I wanted to turn my personal experiences into a story that could warn others,” she said.
Tamil Industry and Fake Offers
According to Utthara, many fake calls she received came from Tamil Nadu, where she initially started her career. “You receive a lot of offers there, and many fake calls as well,” she explained.
She recalled a particularly convincing scam call: “Someone called claiming they were casting me in a film by director Sharvanan because the previously selected actor dropped out. They said the shoot had already started and that I should arrive the next day. They even asked for my dress size and shoe size and said they had already seen my photos. They wanted me to go to Bangalore.”
However, suspicion arose when the caller later demanded money to join the cast. Utthara’s mother contacted trusted acquaintances, and it was then confirmed that this was a fraudulent call.
Cyberbullying and Fake Marriage Photos
Utthara also faced cyberbullying. Someone took photos of her and another individual and created fake marriage images, spreading them by claiming she was married. Initially, Utthara and her family laughed it off as a joke.
However, when the person later caused trouble during an overseas program Utthara was managing, they had to take legal action. Utthara noted, “These scams are purely money-driven, but the harassment and false representation were alarming.”
Writing as a Creative Outlet During Pregnancy
Apart from acting, dance, and directing, Utthara enjoys writing. She wrote a book during her pregnancy, which received praise from many readers. “Everyone thinks pregnancy is a break, but I used the time to write. I started by noting small experiences from my daily life, then read them aloud to my family. They liked it, and after more research, I expanded it into a complete book. Even my doctor read it and appreciated it,” she said.
Writing, she explained, has always been a natural outlet for her emotions. “Whether I am happy or sad, I write. It is a part of who I am.”
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