HYDERABAD: Posing as an assistant director working with noted Tollywood filmmaker Shekhar Kammula, a city-based man allegedly duped several aspiring actors on the pretext of providing opportunities in films in lieu of money. On June 26, Shekhar Kammula approached police stating that one Pradeep, who has been aspiring for roles in Tollywood brought the fraud to his notice. He told police that one Sanjay(30), a resident of Warangal, had posted advertisements with photos of himself with actor Vijay Devarkonda on Quikr.
In the advertisement, he sought female actors in the age group 12 to 32 to approach him for roles in films. Police said, Sanjay collected a sum of `1,500 via bank transfer from the aspirants. During the probe, police arrested Sanjay. “When any aspiring actors contact Sanjay over the phone, he asks them to send photos via WhatsApp or email and tells them that they are selected. Thereafter, he lures them that they need to pay money to get membership in Movie Artist Association and collects money through online. After receiving money, he does not give response to them. Likewise, he cheated many,’’ said police.