Mumbai: Casting couch is a menace that still lurks in the darkest underbellies of the film industry. Punjabi films actress Payal Rajput made her debut in the Telugu film industry with ‘RX100’. Talking to the media, Payal revealed that he was approached by someone after the release of the film. But Payal is not alone. There have been many such actresses who have experienced casting couch.
Kani Kusruti
Malayalam actress Kani Kusruti surprised everyone after she revealed that the makers demanded a relationship with her in exchange of work. When she turned down their demand, they approached her mother so that she could convince her. The ‘Kerala Café’ actress suffered depression and later quit the industry.
Vidya Balan
‘Mission Mangal’ actress Vidya Balan has also been a victim of casting couch. In an interview, she said that there was a time when she went to meet a director in Chennai in connection with work, but he wanted to take advantage of her. Vidya said- “ The director asked me to go to the room because he wanted to talk to me. I went into the room and left the door open. Sensing his fishy thoughts, I ran away.”
Shruti Marathe
Marathi actress Shruti Marathe was also a victim of casting couch when she was offered a ‘one night stand’ with a producer. Shruti said- “I was a victim of casting couch when I was auditioning for the lead role in a film. My interview with the producer started professionally. Soon he started using words like compromise and ‘one night stand’. I knew I couldn’t do it, so I refused it immediately. “
Sri Reddy
Telugu cinema actress Sri Reddy performed topless in front of the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce, making serious accusations of casting couch on many big faces of the Telugu film industry.
Karan Tacker
Even male actors can be a victim of casting couch. Karan tacker was once approached by casting director who had reportedly made advances towards Ranveer Singh.
“I saw this interview of Ranveer, and realised that it was the same guy; a casting director/coordinator agent who said, ‘I’ll ask you a question, whether you will work hard or smart’. Funny part is that he’s still a part of the industry, still casting, still doing things,” said Karan.
PNN/Agencies
