The casting couch has always been a hot and sensitive issue in the film world, with Bollywood no exception to this sordid truth. In a world that feeds on stardom, glamour, and larger-than-life images, the uneasy reality of exploitation and manipulation waits in the wings. For most of the actresses, it has been a journey to fame that has been tainted with awkward meetings with influential people who abuse their power by insisting on sexual favors in return for professional breaks. The practice has come to be known as the "casting couch" whereby ambitious actors and actresses are manipulated into compromising positions and are made to choose between professional and personal pride. In spite of the glamourous veneer that the industry projects, numerous actresses have fallen victim to this poisonous culture. Most have spoken about their distressing experiences of harassment, recounting how they were pressured to tolerate degrading advances or sexual overtures from producers, directors, and other powerful men. These women have generally been put in a tight spot, where denying such requests would spell the end of their career, but acceding to them would bring them temporary fame but at the expense of their self-esteem and mental health. Recently, the #MeToo movement has shed light on such cases, providing a voice to the victims who had endured in silence for far too long. Established and new actresses alike have come forward to unveil their tales, demanding accountability and a safer and more respectful place of work. While some of them have had the courage to speak out, others remain caged in a system where the power play rules. This continues to be the struggle that is a testament to the necessity of change in the system of Bollywood so that exploitation of hopefuls becomes a bygone era. Let's take a look at the shocking disclosures made by 10 leading Bollywood actresses regarding their first-hand experience with casting couch in the industry.
10. Preeti Jain In 2004, aspiring actress Preeti Jain complained against director Madhur Bhandarkar, charging him with raping her 16 times between 1999 and 2004. According to her, Bhandarkar had promised her marriage and roles in films. In 2012, the Supreme Court rejected the rape case filed by Jain against Bhandarkar eight years back, which was quashed.
9. Surveen Chawla
Surveen Chawla, the actress who acted in Parched, disclosed in July 2016 that she had experienced firsthand the prevalence of the casting couch in the South Indian film industry. Nevertheless, she explained that in Bollywood, she had not encountered such experiences. She said, "I feel extremely good that I have not faced this (casting couch) here (Bollywood). I faced this (casting couch) down south and of course I did not give in to that.Honestly I can only speak about it if I had faced it in Bollywood. I do not know if I should term it sheer luck."
8. Sameera Reddy
Sameera Reddy in May 2007 revealed about her unpleasant experiences in Bollywood, confessing that she had faced many negative situations. "If I say I never had any bad experiences, I would be lying. There is a negative side to every industry, and so there is to Bollywood too. I have definitely had my fair share of bad experiences. But I have always been able to hold my ground and command respect," she said. Sameera also provided guidance to would-be actresses, cautioning them not to be influenced by offers from B and C-grade directors, who might be looking to exploit them. "The casting couch does exist, there is no denying it. I have just one thing to tell girls who want to become actresses. Nothing is worth selling your soul," she added.
7. Payel Rohatgi
In March 2011, Payal Rohatgi, an actress from Bollywood, accused director Dibakar Banerjee, the director of Love Sex Aur Dhokha, of trying to take advantage of her in return for a place in his film *Shanghai*. Payal said that she had first contacted Dibakar through a message to get to know him as an actor and, as time passed, they became close friends, even sharing their relationship problems. But then the matter of concern started when she went to Dibakar for seeking a position in his new venture. He referred her to meet his casting director, which resulted in her auditioning for a scene where she was asked to play a woman mourning her husband's demise. Payal didn't feel comfortable after auditioning and made a call to Dibakar to speak with him, even inviting him home.
6. Tisca Chopra
Tisca Chopra, who had done the lead role in Taare Zameen Par, shared a shocking experience with one of the leading directors of Bollywood in August 2016. After making her debut and without having any other offer in hand, she considered the director's move as an opportunity in gold. But she soon realized that collaborating with him involved a distasteful and inappropriate condition – to be his "bed squeeze." Tisca's expose reveals the seedy underbelly of the film industry, where new entrants are sometimes coerced into compromising relationships in return for career growth. Her story puts the spotlight on the exploitation of women working in the industry.
5. Sherlyn Chopra
Sherlyn, who recently made headlines for her involvement in the current Raj Kundra pornography case, also spoke about how she experienced the casting couch. She mentioned that directors used to take her out for dinner, but it was only afterwards that she came to know these invitations were not genuine. Chopra's admission brings to light the uncomfortable truths that some women experience in the industry, where innocent actions can have a different, more inappropriate connotation. Her admission contributes to the increasing dialogue regarding exploitation and power relations in the entertainment industry.
4. Kalki Koechlin
This bollywood diva known for her impressive film career and award-winning performances, recently opened up about her own experience with the casting couch, a phenomenon she admits exists in the industry. The actress said that she "always managed to get out of it" whenever she was confronted with such a situation. She reiterated that whenever she felt uncomfortable or pressured, she opted to leave, keeping her integrity intact. Kalki also had a piece of advice for budding talent, encouraging them to understand that the casting couch is not the way to success. Through her experience, she brings out the need to be strong and make decisions based on what one believes in, while dealing with the complexities of the entertainment industry.
3.Radhika Apte
Radhika Apte criticized a disturbing episode in Bollywood when she was once propositioned for a role in return for having sex with a film's creator. Interviewing an online website, she disclosed that she had heard numerous casting couch tales and knew a number of those who had gone through such exploitation. Reminding herself of her own experience, Radhika spoke about how she was requested to meet with the makers of the film, but the catch was that she would have to spend the night with the person who was in command. Not being deterred by the improper proposal, Radhika laughed and flatly refused the suggestion, instructing the man to "go to hell." Her blunt disclosure reveals the seedy underbelly of the industry and the difficulties encountered by many.
2. Ankita Lokhande
She is a new face in films, has long been a known face on TV. The actress recently shared her disturbing encounters with the casting couch, which revealed that she faced it twice in her life. One such incident was during the audition of a South Indian movie, when the producer simply asked her to "compromise" and "sleep with him" for the job. Refusing to compromise her integrity, Lokhande decided to leave, resolved to find work on the strength of her abilities and not because she would buckle under such threats. Her decision is a testament to her sense of integrity and professionalism in a profession where such pressures are sadly not the exception.
1. Nargis Fakri
Nargis Fakhri was in the news when she spoke openly about the tough realities of working in Bollywood. She spoke of losing work because she would not "pose naked" or "sleep with a director," emphasizing the unethical pressures of the industry. Nargis spoke about how, even in the face of such challenges, she decided to hold on to her morals, giving precedence to her integrity over professional growth. Looking back at her initial years within the industry, she acknowledged that this choice deprived her of some opportunities, but she was adamant in her resolve not to sell her soul. Nargis's frank confession highlighted the seedy underbelly of Bollywood, projecting her as a person who, defying circumstances, remained steadfast in her integrity and her values within a competitive landscape.
