The dark truth of the TV industry: Do actresses still face pressure to compromise in exchange for work? Why did many TV stars break their silence on casting couch? Which actress was told, ‘If you want a role, compromise’? Who was made uncomfortable in the meeting and who ran away? These stories hidden behind the shine of glamor once again raised many big questions.
Behind the glamor of TV and entertainment industry, many times there are hidden experiences about which artists avoid talking openly. After the death of actress Sanchita Ugle, the discussion regarding casting couch and pressure of alleged compromise has once again intensified. Meanwhile, old interviews and statements of many well-known actresses have again come into the limelight, in which they had mentioned unreasonable demands in return for work, uncomfortable conditions and pressure for alleged compromise. These experiences exposed a side of the entertainment world that is often debated.
Lavina Tandon narrated her ‘compromise’ experience
Lavina Tandon, who made her mark by playing the role of Ruqaiya Begum in ‘Jodha Akbar’, had told in an interview that a casting director had offered her to work in a South Indian film. Initially he was offered a fee of Rs 5 lakh. Later it was reportedly said that if she was ready to compromise i.e. sleep together, the payment could be increased to Rs 7 lakh. Lavina had described this experience as very uncomfortable.
Barkha Singh received a shocking email
Actress Barkha Singh had claimed in an interview that she received an email for a project in which along with shooting information, things like body measurements and compromise were written. He had said that he was surprised to see this because such things were written openly. Barkha told that she also had the record of that email.
Divyanka Tripathi told about the stressful times
Divyanka Tripathi had said in a conversation that amidst financial and professional pressure in the initial phase of her career, she had received an offer in which it was allegedly said that if she stayed with a director, she could get a bigger opportunity. According to Divyanka, at that time she was talked to as if it was a normal thing in the industry.
Sneha Jain had to listen to the controversial condition
‘Saath Nibhana Saathiya 2’ actress Sneha Jain had claimed that during a meeting in connection with a South Indian film, she was allegedly told that after signing the contract, she would have to spend time with the director and obey him. Sneha had described this experience as wrong and disturbing.
Kishwar Merchant left the meeting immediately
Kishwar Merchant, a well-known face of the TV industry, had said in an interview that she was once allegedly asked to have a relationship with an actor. She flatly refused and left the meeting. According to Kishwar, he had refused to make any kind of compromise at that time.
Aradhana Sharma narrated the scary incident
Aradhana Sharma, who was seen in ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ and ‘Splitsvilla’, had told that she had gone to Ranchi for a role. He was allegedly misbehaved there during the script reading. According to Aradhana, she immediately protested, extricated herself from there and reached a safe place.
Jasmine Bhasin told what happened in the meeting
‘Bigg Boss 14’ fame Jasmine Bhasin had claimed in an interview that she faced a very uncomfortable situation during a meeting with a director. According to Jasmine, she was repeatedly asked to do the audition scene in a different way and she found the environment unsafe. She had told that due to her wisdom and alertness she was successful in getting out of there.