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Suchitra Pillai casting couch

Here’s What Suchitra Pillai Said When Asked To Compromise In Exchange For A Role In A Film

4 minutes read

In India as well as across the world, the phrase “casting couch” has long been connected to the film business. From time to time, the casting couch phenomenon has generated debate, controversy, and anxiety in Bollywood. The term “casting couch” is the practice of powerful people, such as casting agents, directors, or producers, requesting sexual favors from aspiring actors or actresses in exchange for jobs or possibilities for professional development. By promising prosperity in exchange for sacrificing morality and dignity, it preys on weaknesses and takes advantage of them.

Based on many stories from industry insiders, it appears that the casting couch is a common practice in Bollywood. However, exact figures are hard to consider because these activities are so obscured. Over the years, reports have emerged of aspiring actors—women in particular—being the target of sexual harassment in return for jobs or professional possibilities.

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Casting couch victims frequently experience psychological trauma, emotional discomfort, and harm to their self-esteem. In recent years, Bollywood has been making efforts to address the casting couch and create a safer environment for talent. Moreover, a number of Bollywood celebrities spoke out against the casting couch, as the #MeToo movement gained traction in India in 2018.

Similarly, well-known actress Suchitra Pillai recently spoke out about her career path, exploring the difficulties she experienced in the industry.

Suchitra Pillai /Instagram

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Suchitra Pillai talks about her casting couch experience

Actress Suchitra Pillai had a candid conversation with Siddharth Kannan, she recounted her casting couch experience, shedding light on the prevalent issues plaguing the entertainment world. With unwavering honesty, Suchitra shared her encounter, stating,

There are choices that you make. Sometimes opportunities come but with something…casting couch and all of that. Everybody at some point faces it. I have an intimidating look, so I haven’t really faced that. While joking people have said that I don’t do anything, but they have said it which means that they have seen it on my face that you can’t sc**w with me. I have received one-two calls from the South film industry.

Thinking back to a specific instance, she further explained,

One call came years ago. He said, ‘You want to do South films?’ I said, ‘I have already done a couple but yes.’ He said, ‘There is one very good film, starring a very big good actor and the director is also very big.’ He told me that I had to play the actor’s sister and that it’s a big role. I was like, ‘That’s great.’ He then said that a first-time producer is bankrolling the project.

The actress recounted the unsettling turn, saying,

I thought he was asking for a discount on my fees but he said, ‘It’s a first-time producer so little compromise is needed.’ I said, ‘Sorry.’ He reiterated, ‘Madam, he is a first-time producer, little compromise is needed.’ I told him do you even know who you are talking to. I have been in the industry for so many years but he said, ‘Director-actor thing is established but because the producer is new that’s why it’s only required one time.’ I told him you got the wrong person and the wrong number.

Suchitra Pillai /Instagram

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Suchitra vehemently declined the offer, standing by her identity and moral standards. She added,

In the industry, there are often opportunities that come with strings attached. Casting couch experiences are not uncommon..

Despite the difficulties, Suchitra’s career is still thriving. Suchitra Pillai is well-known for her roles in Indian television series and Bollywood movies. She has demonstrated her versatility by appearing in a wide range of films, TV episodes, and online series.

In movies like “Dil Chahta Hai,” “Page 3,” and “Fashion,” Pillai played believable and nuanced supporting parts that helped her become well-known. She has made appearances in series including “Beintehaa,” “24,” and “Four More Shots Please!” Her performances were frequently praised for their emotional resonance and subtle representation.

On the professional front, Suchitra Pillai made her last appearance in “Big Girls Don’t Cry.”S Apart from her, the movie also features Pooja Bhatt and Mukul Chadda in major roles.

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