There is no hiding from the fact that several actresses in the Indian film industry have been a victim of sexual harassment. Time and again, the actresses have spoken up against casting couch and harassment. Previously, #MeToo movement hit the headlines which exposed some popular names from several professional fields across the country.
With feminism and women empowerment becoming the most-talked subjects, actresses have become more open about prevalent issues. With the MeToo movement encouraging several women to share their ordeal of sexual abuse at the workplace, the film industry is also no exception.
Casting couch is something which has been happening behind the scenes and it is not at all a new concept rather it is as old as our civilization. People started noticing it very recently. Several actresses have been a victim of harassment in the Film Industry as well.
The casting couch is a practice of asking sexual favours from a job applicant in exchange for a job in the entertainment industry, especially acting roles. Casting couch originally referred to physical couches in the casting office. This practice is termed illegal in the United States.
Male casting directors, as well as, film producers use the casting couch in a bid to extract sex from ambitious actresses in Hollywood, Bollywood and other segments of the cinema industry.
Sherlyn Chopra, who has always exhibited herself as a bold and beautiful image in the industry exposed the dark side of Bollywood directors. She revealed how Deepika’s manager exploits the newcomers in the Bollywood industry.
During an interview, she exposed the other side of Deepika’s manager in Bollywood industry. She says instead of asking about the experiences, ambitions and goals of the new faces, he would ask about her breast size or cup size.
She further revealed that he would give a bold statement that he is in an ‘open marriage’, means he is allowed to do anything as per his choice. Instead of talking or engaging in events, endorsements, promotions, he would want to ‘touch your boobs’.
She also challenged him why can’t he ask Deepika the same question. Is it the reason “she does not have any?”