Everything that glitters is not really gold stands true for Bollywood. Struggling actors and actresses without any godfather in the industry have to go through unwanted experiences.
Among the various harassments faced by these actors in search of work is sexual harassment. While many stars have preferred to remain tight-lipped, many have, however, opened up. From Kalki Koechlin to Tisca Chopra and Ranveer Singh, many celebrities have accepted this practice exists and are willing to fight against it.
Let’s have a look at some of the big casting couch scandals:
Ayushmann Khurrana:
Known for movies like Bareilly Ki Barfi and Vicky Donor, Ayushmann is one of the finest actors of the young lot. But, he was also struggling to get work during his initial days. It was during his struggling period, he had faced casting couch experience.
Ayushmann said, “I have been through casting couch initially. I was a TV anchor, so a casting director directly told me that I would have to do it. So, I told him that if I was not straight, I might have given it a thought, but I can’t do it.
Kalki Koechlin
This gorgeous lady has never been afraid to say anything and when asked about her casting couch experience, Kalki confidently replied, “Of course, it exists! It did try and entangle me in its grip but I am slippery, I always managed to get out of it. The minute I felt uncomfortable, I walked away! The casting couch is not the answer to any aspiring actor’s route to success.”
Ranveer Singh
Yes, our very own Alauddin Khilji also has something to say in this matter. Ranveer Singh did not shy away from sharing about the time when he was a victim of casting couch.
“Casting couch is a very real thing. I have experienced it first-hand,” Ranveer said. This incident dates back when he used to work as an assistant director. As a newcomer, he was asked to meet a gentleman (identity not disclosed) at his Andheri home so Ranveer created an impressive portfolio.
He needn’t have bothered because the man “did not even look at it which means he wasn’t interested in it at all. Later, I found out what he was interested in. He told me, ‘You have to be smart. You have to be sexy. Jo smart hai, jo sexy hai, wo aage nikal jaata hai. When I said ‘no’ (to his demands), he cried like a jilted lover. Later, I got to know that he does it to everyone.” Ranveer added.
Surveen Chawla
Like every other commoner, Surveen also faced a lot of ups and downs to make it big in the industry.
Talking about it while working in a south film, Surveen said, “This happened in Tamil cinema where I had already auditioned and bagged an important role. This was a very big film and a very important director, who couldn’t speak Hindi. So can you believe the man’s audacity! The director had his friend call and make the offer for me to sleep with the director. The friend told me it would only be until the film was made. I said, thanks but no thanks.”
Tisca Chopra
Although she’s given some fantastic performances in Firaaq and Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji, she only found recognition after Taare Zameen Par. Unfortunately, Tisca had to see the ugly side of Bollywood too. A very popular director had offered her a role and Tisca. Little did she know, saying yes to work means saying yes to the director’s ‘bed squeeze’.
“I want the script to penetrate every inch of your body,” the director said to her and thankfully, Tisca got out in a very coy and smart way!