Casting couch is something which possibly exists in every industry related to showbusiness, be it Hollywood, Bollywood or the fashion industry around the globe. In the 2018 MeToo movement of India, we saw a number of prominent names from Bollywood getting into hot water when they were accused of sexual misconduct and predatory behaviour.
Bollywood actress Chitrangada Singh, who is known for her work in such notable films Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2003), Yeh Saali Zindagi (2011) and Desi Boyz (2011), reveals that casting couch does exist in Bollywood. She even admits to have faced it. However, the actress maintains that there is no pressure to give in.
“There are people like this everywhere. Right from my modelling days to Bollywood, I have seen them at all times. Corporate industry is just as bad. Yes, it has happened with me but I would like to say that the Bollywood industry is not the place where anybody forces you. There is enough space and respect for everyone and their choices. You do feel bad when you lose an opportunity but then those are the choices you make. So, you don’t sulk about it,” she tells an entertainment portal.
The actress went on to add that she has lost out on several projects because she chose not to give in. “It feels bad and I have lost out on projects too but, at the same time, if you are comfortable with it, then go ahead and do it. I am not here to judge anyone.”
On the work front, Singh is currently penning a short story. She is making the most of the ongoing lockdown to work on it. The actress next stars in Red Chillies Entertainment’s upcoming film Bob Biswas with Abhishek Bachchan.
The Malayalam actress reflects on the challenges she faced and thanks her fans for their unwavering supportInstagram/
Former BBC Today presenter Mishal Husain speaks out on the evolving tone of broadcast journalism and the importance of ego-free reportingGetty Images 
Beets, bears, and brilliant chaos—Dwight Schrute was ready to make Schrute Farms the weirdest B&B on TVGetty Images 
Too fabulous to function—Jean-Ralphio was born to star in his own disaster-fuelled comedyGetty Images 
Omar - a prequel about his early days could’ve been HBO’s next gritty masterpieceGetty Images
Deadpan, dark, and delightful—April Ludgate’s FBI spin-off would’ve been everythingGetty Images
Sassy, spiritual, and full of secrets—Lafayette’s backstory was screaming for a supernatural seriesGetty Images
From Victorian poetry to vampire slaying, Spike’s centuries-long saga deserved its own spotlightGetty Images
Confidence, quirks, and questionable fashion—Schmidt’s next chapter could’ve been rom-com goldGetty Images
The villain we hated to love—Negan did get his spin-off, and it’s a bloody good oneGetty Images
Whimsical and wise—Luna’s magical adventures would’ve been a dreamy, otherworldly delightGetty Images
Chaotic queen energy—Gina’s influencer-era spin-off would’ve broken the internetGetty Images 
Drama unfolds as Cardi B calls out Offset for an affair with AriTheDon in explosive leaked messagesGetty Images 
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s stunning £9.5 million sea-facing apartment in Mumbai nears completionGetty Images