TV actress Ratan Rajput recently spoke out about her experience with the casting couch in an interview with AajTak. The actress recalled a horrific incident where she was drugged without her consent. Rajput emphasized the need for a discussion around the casting couch issue to create awareness and protect aspiring actors from falling victim to such exploitation.
In the interview, Ratan Rajput explained that she had never spoken about the casting couch before, even during the #MeToo movement. However, receiving personal emails from young aspiring actors seeking guidance made her realize the importance of speaking up about the dark reality of the industry. She also highlighted that not everyone in the industry is involved in such practices, but it is crucial to know how to filter out those who are.
Ratan Rajput shared her personal experience from years ago when auditions took place in a hotel in Oshiwara. During an audition, she noticed many well-known actors. Although the director was not present, a lower-level coordinator praised her audition and hinted at her potential success. The coordinator instructed her to collect the script and prepare for a meeting. Confused by the situation, Rajput and her friend were repeatedly offered a cold drink, which they reluctantly sipped. Later, they suspected that something may have been mixed in the drink.
In another audition, Ratan Rajput witnessed inappropriate behavior, including clothes strewn about and an unconscious girl, possibly due to alcohol. Realizing the deviant activities taking place, she encountered a man who mistakenly believed her accompany was her boyfriend. Rajput immediately sensed danger and realized she needed to escape from the situation.
Expressing her anger and frustration, the actress expressed her desire to confront and reprimand the director responsible for drugging her. She revealed that the person still holds a significant position in the industry.
Ratan Rajput’s account is not the first of its kind in the television industry. Ankita Lokhande, known for her role in Ekta Kapoor’s hit TV serial Pavitra Rishta, also shared her experience with the casting couch. Lokhande mentioned encountering predatory individuals who asked her to compromise for roles. Divyanka Tripathi, another popular TV actress, also revealed facing the casting couch during desperate times when she had financial pressures.
Many actors and actresses have openly addressed their experiences with the casting couch, highlighting the need for change in the industry. By sharing their stories, these individuals hope to create awareness and protect aspiring actors from falling victim to exploitation.
The casting couch remains a dark reality in the entertainment industry, both in Bollywood and Hollywood. It is crucial for the industry to address this issue and take appropriate measures to eradicate such practices. Creating a safe and equal working environment for all actors is essential for the industry’s progress and growth.
By shedding light on their traumatic experiences, Ratan Rajput, Ankita Lokhande, Divyanka Tripathi, and other actors and actresses are paving the way for change and inspiring others to speak out against the casting couch. It is crucial for the industry as a whole to come together, support the victims, and work towards a future where such exploitation no longer exists.
In conclusion, the stories shared by these actors and actresses serve as a reminder that change is necessary to protect aspiring actors from the casting couch. Their courage in speaking out sends a powerful message to the industry, urging it to take action and create a safe working environment for all.
