Reality of Casting Couch: The term ‘casting couch’ has been around for a while and unfortunately has become a reality in the film industry. Even though discussions related to casting couch are usually associated with female actors, it is important to note that male actors too have faced exploitation at the hands of those in power in order to get a chance in the film industry.
Shiv Thackeray’s Experience
Shiv Thackeray, who rose to fame through Bigg Boss 16, recently opened up about facing casting couch. During this, Shiv shared his experience of exploitation and said that at the beginning of his career, a casting director had called him to a massage center, falsely claiming it to be for an audition. Not only this, Shiv said that after coming to Mumbai, he realized that not only girls, but also boys are scared of poachers here.
In an interview given to Hindustan Times, Shiv said that he recalled the experience related to casting couch and said that he once went to Aram Nagar to give an audition. The casting director present there took him to the bathroom and asked him to come to the massage center after the audition.
Shiv shared another experience related to casting couch when a lady called him for audition at 11 pm. He said that a Madam in Four Bungalows used to call him and said that she had made her career.
Ravi Kishan’s Story
Veteran star of Bhojpuri films and MP from Gorakhpur, Ravi Kishan Shukla, has said that he has also been a victim of ‘casting couch’. He said that he was called for a cup of coffee one day and he realized that the lady was giving him a hint.
Ayushmann’s Experience
Ayushmann Khurrana also faced casting couch. Talking to Pinkvilla about casting couch, Ayushmann Khurrana revealed that he too had to face it in the initial stages. Ayushmann said that a casting director made such a demand in lieu of the lead role which made him uncomfortable.
Ranveer Singh’s Story
Ranveer Singh, who had a string of hits, also experienced the casting couch. He revealed that a producer had asked him to be “smart and sexy”.
Imran Nazir Khan’s Narrative
Imran Nazir Khan, a well-known figure from the TV series ‘Maddam Sir’, has shared his experience of this and warned aspiring actors about the potential risks. He urged them to stay away from such scenarios in order to further their careers. The actor said that coordinators and casting directors told him that they would give him a good job if he got intimate with them.
Shakti Kapoor’s Revelations
The term came into limelight in the media in 2005 when Shakti Kapoor was caught on camera trying to sexually take advantage of a girl in exchange for roles in films in a sting operation in 2005. Shakti Kapoor’s involvement in multiple casting couch controversies led to a sort of ban in the film industry. However, he later revealed that many of the successful actresses today had to resort to such favors to get to where they are. Despite this, the issue of casting couch could not be completely eradicated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that ‘casting couch’ is a reality in the film industry. Not only heroines, but also male actors like Ravi Kishan, Ayushmann, Ranveer Singh are also under the shadow of casting couch. People reached heights only after giving favor, while boys like Imran Nazir Khan had to use pepper spray and deo to avoid sexual harassment. Auditions should be taken on the basis of talent and merit, not on the basis of favor.
