Bollywood may seem like a glamorous business to be a part of, with its lavish events and glitzy lifestyle. However, we can tell you that it is not without its drawbacks. Sexual assault has been occurring in the business for decades due to the uneven power relations.
Several #MeToo and casting couch experiences have been reported throughout the years. It just goes to show that sexual harassment is still prevalent in Bollywood. The only difference now is that they are freely discussed, as opposed to when they were kept under wraps.
Prachi Desai, Ankita Lokhande, Kalki Koechlin, and Ayushman Khurana are among the celebrities who have already come out about their sad experiences. This time, television star Kishwer Merchant has opened out about her experience on the casting couch.
Kishwer recalled how she was urged to “sleep with the hero” after being a target of the casting couch. “It happened to me when I went to a meeting- but just once,” she revealed in an interview with a prominent newspaper. I was accompanied by my mum.
I’ve been told that I’ll have to spend the night with the hero. We departed after I respectfully declined the offer.” The Ek Hasina Thi actress further remarked that she would not comment on whether or not casting couches are held on a regular basis. However, it should be noted that similar incidents occur in every business.
We couldn’t help but be curious about the “hero” and the “producer.” Kishwer would not name the people involved, but said they were “extremely significant names.”
Kishwer was also questioned if the terrifying incident had kept her away from movies throughout the interview. “Nope, I was extremely concentrated at work…,” she said. I preferred to watch television. I continued to receive employment in both quantity and quality.
After all is said and done, I am quite pleased with how my career has turned out.” “I stayed more to TV because I think it gets you more recognition,” she said when asked why she opted to work in the television sector. Small parts in movies are pointless.”
Evidently, one’s talent is insufficient, and it will not protect them from industry bullies. No one should ever have to sit on a casting couch. Period.
Let’s hope that B-town becomes a safe and inspiring environment for everyone.