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B'wood's gay and take system?
OnirA casting director, assistant director, producer or any Bollywood bigwig soliciting sex from an aspiring male actor in exchange for a prominent role is very widely known, claim beginners out of their own experiences .
While many in the industry continue to deny its existence, a few of them have come out in the past, accepting that they have faced it. Sonu Nigam was quoted as saying, "There was a time when women were under constant sexual subjugation, but now it's the turn of the men to bear the brunt." Besides Sonu, actors Sahil Khan, Aryan Vaid, Sonu Sood had also said in the past that it exists (see box).
A well-known Delhi-based model, who has been trying his hand at films, shares his experience on conditions of anonymity, "I had mailed my pictures to many renowned filmmakers. Recently, I got a call from one of the filmmaker's office, inviting me to audition for his upcoming movie. The role required the profile of a model. And I was told I am just perfect for it. Post the audition, the casting director called me for a private conversation... and in the middle of the chat, he began to appreciate my acting skills, and then, my body, and suggested rather casually that I go to bed with him. When he realised that I was shocked to hear that, he claimed that the couch I was seated on was the couch where many well-known actresses once sat as newcomers, and never said no to whatever the respective casting director/director/producer demanded, and that took them places. So why should I disagree, he asked. He insisted, 'Come on, let's go...' but I was firm on my decision, and told him I'd rather get a role based on my calibre, no matter how long and how much I have to struggle for it. I just left the place. Ahead of this conversation, I was told the team is hopeful of taking me on board, but as expected, after a few days, I got a call from the director, who said, 'You act well, and I really want to work with you, but not this time. May be, I will take you for one of my projects in the future.' Ab woh directly toh nahin kahengey na ki maine unke casting director ki baat nahin maani, isliye he isn't recommending my name anymore. So he conveyed his message in the most decent way possible. I am okay with it, 'coz I don't want to compromise on anything. I can wait to get what I deserve. But this ain't anything new in the film industry; everyone knows such a thing exists. Yeh toh sab ke saath hota hi hai."
His colleague, also a known Delhi model, agrees, "Some casting directors ask for sexual favours from aspiring actors who come to audition for movies, especially those who are very ambitious and are willing to do anything to get a role."
While many say that the casting couch does not exist, some insist that it is more of a give-and-take thing that exists in the industry, but is not talked about. "For, nothing in the industry is forced," counters another recognised model who will soon be seen on the big screen, "Such a sexual encounter will happen only if someone is willing to. For instance, I have been approached many times for such favours and have been offered roles in return, but I have always refused. There are certain people in the industry who are interested in such trading. They try their luck with many by sending messages after messages. If you don't reply to their messages and don't give in to their advances, they will understand you are not interested and not bother you. But once you say yes to even one of them, the word spreads like wild fire. Within no time, many get to know that a particular male aspiring actor is 'available', which is when many casting directors try to get in touch with that person, expecting an affirmative reply. But if one constantly ignores their offers, even that reaches the industry people through word of mouth - after which you don't get such offers anymore. Your reputation is in your own hands. For instance, I get to know who's hinting at something else while talking to me, and gradually distance myself from them, by just giving any bahana that I am busy or have to go out of town. After all, any sensible person will understand if he is being called at a person's 'home' to discuss work - that it's not just for work that he is being called for. "
Been There Known That
"I have been propositioned by one of Bollywood's biggest directors. I have been offered money to sleep with one of the biggest producers in Bollywood. These things keep happening, but then no one in the industry forces you to do it."
Aryan Vaid, actor
"I still remember how a model coordinator approached me and kept calling me till I told him I was not really his cup of tea."
Sonu Sood, actor
"I have been propositioned, but I have never really experienced the casting couch. Such offers are often made by middlemen who just try to exploit the situation. In my case, someone threatened to ruin me but ultimately that person turned out to be a nobody."
Samir Soni, model-turned-actor
A casting director, assistant director, producer or any Bollywood bigwig soliciting sex from an aspiring male actor in exchange for a prominent role is very widely known, claim beginners out of their own experiences .
While many in the industry continue to deny its existence, a few of them have come out in the past, accepting that they have faced it. Sonu Nigam was quoted as saying, "There was a time when women were under constant sexual subjugation, but now it's the turn of the men to bear the brunt." Besides Sonu, actors Sahil Khan, Aryan Vaid, Sonu Sood had also said in the past that it exists (see box).
A well-known Delhi-based model, who has been trying his hand at films, shares his experience on conditions of anonymity, "I had mailed my pictures to many renowned filmmakers. Recently, I got a call from one of the filmmaker's office, inviting me to audition for his upcoming movie. The role required the profile of a model. And I was told I am just perfect for it. Post the audition, the casting director called me for a private conversation... and in the middle of the chat, he began to appreciate my acting skills, and then, my body, and suggested rather casually that I go to bed with him. When he realised that I was shocked to hear that, he claimed that the couch I was seated on was the couch where many well-known actresses once sat as newcomers, and never said no to whatever the respective casting director/director/producer demanded, and that took them places. So why should I disagree, he asked. He insisted, 'Come on, let's go...' but I was firm on my decision, and told him I'd rather get a role based on my calibre, no matter how long and how much I have to struggle for it. I just left the place. Ahead of this conversation, I was told the team is hopeful of taking me on board, but as expected, after a few days, I got a call from the director, who said, 'You act well, and I really want to work with you, but not this time. May be, I will take you for one of my projects in the future.' Ab woh directly toh nahin kahengey na ki maine unke casting director ki baat nahin maani, isliye he isn't recommending my name anymore. So he conveyed his message in the most decent way possible. I am okay with it, 'coz I don't want to compromise on anything. I can wait to get what I deserve. But this ain't anything new in the film industry; everyone knows such a thing exists. Yeh toh sab ke saath hota hi hai."
His colleague, also a known Delhi model, agrees, "Some casting directors ask for sexual favours from aspiring actors who come to audition for movies, especially those who are very ambitious and are willing to do anything to get a role."
While many say that the casting couch does not exist, some insist that it is more of a give-and-take thing that exists in the industry, but is not talked about. "For, nothing in the industry is forced," counters another recognised model who will soon be seen on the big screen, "Such a sexual encounter will happen only if someone is willing to. For instance, I have been approached many times for such favours and have been offered roles in return, but I have always refused. There are certain people in the industry who are interested in such trading. They try their luck with many by sending messages after messages. If you don't reply to their messages and don't give in to their advances, they will understand you are not interested and not bother you. But once you say yes to even one of them, the word spreads like wild fire. Within no time, many get to know that a particular male aspiring actor is 'available', which is when many casting directors try to get in touch with that person, expecting an affirmative reply. But if one constantly ignores their offers, even that reaches the industry people through word of mouth - after which you don't get such offers anymore. Your reputation is in your own hands. For instance, I get to know who's hinting at something else while talking to me, and gradually distance myself from them, by just giving any bahana that I am busy or have to go out of town. After all, any sensible person will understand if he is being called at a person's 'home' to discuss work - that it's not just for work that he is being called for. "
Been There Known That
"I have been propositioned by one of Bollywood's biggest directors. I have been offered money to sleep with one of the biggest producers in Bollywood. These things keep happening, but then no one in the industry forces you to do it."
Aryan Vaid, actor
"I still remember how a model coordinator approached me and kept calling me till I told him I was not really his cup of tea."
Sonu Sood, actor
"I have been propositioned, but I have never really experienced the casting couch. Such offers are often made by middlemen who just try to exploit the situation. In my case, someone threatened to ruin me but ultimately that person turned out to be a nobody."
Samir Soni, model-turned-actor
While many in the industry continue to deny its existence, a few of them have come out in the past, accepting that they have faced it. Sonu Nigam was quoted as saying, "There was a time when women were under constant sexual subjugation, but now it's the turn of the men to bear the brunt." Besides Sonu, actors Sahil Khan, Aryan Vaid, Sonu Sood had also said in the past that it exists (see box).
A well-known Delhi-based model, who has been trying his hand at films, shares his experience on conditions of anonymity, "I had mailed my pictures to many renowned filmmakers. Recently, I got a call from one of the filmmaker's office, inviting me to audition for his upcoming movie. The role required the profile of a model. And I was told I am just perfect for it. Post the audition, the casting director called me for a private conversation... and in the middle of the chat, he began to appreciate my acting skills, and then, my body, and suggested rather casually that I go to bed with him. When he realised that I was shocked to hear that, he claimed that the couch I was seated on was the couch where many well-known actresses once sat as newcomers, and never said no to whatever the respective casting director/director/producer demanded, and that took them places. So why should I disagree, he asked. He insisted, 'Come on, let's go...' but I was firm on my decision, and told him I'd rather get a role based on my calibre, no matter how long and how much I have to struggle for it. I just left the place. Ahead of this conversation, I was told the team is hopeful of taking me on board, but as expected, after a few days, I got a call from the director, who said, 'You act well, and I really want to work with you, but not this time. May be, I will take you for one of my projects in the future.' Ab woh directly toh nahin kahengey na ki maine unke casting director ki baat nahin maani, isliye he isn't recommending my name anymore. So he conveyed his message in the most decent way possible. I am okay with it, 'coz I don't want to compromise on anything. I can wait to get what I deserve. But this ain't anything new in the film industry; everyone knows such a thing exists. Yeh toh sab ke saath hota hi hai."
His colleague, also a known Delhi model, agrees, "Some casting directors ask for sexual favours from aspiring actors who come to audition for movies, especially those who are very ambitious and are willing to do anything to get a role."
While many say that the casting couch does not exist, some insist that it is more of a give-and-take thing that exists in the industry, but is not talked about. "For, nothing in the industry is forced," counters another recognised model who will soon be seen on the big screen, "Such a sexual encounter will happen only if someone is willing to. For instance, I have been approached many times for such favours and have been offered roles in return, but I have always refused. There are certain people in the industry who are interested in such trading. They try their luck with many by sending messages after messages. If you don't reply to their messages and don't give in to their advances, they will understand you are not interested and not bother you. But once you say yes to even one of them, the word spreads like wild fire. Within no time, many get to know that a particular male aspiring actor is 'available', which is when many casting directors try to get in touch with that person, expecting an affirmative reply. But if one constantly ignores their offers, even that reaches the industry people through word of mouth - after which you don't get such offers anymore. Your reputation is in your own hands. For instance, I get to know who's hinting at something else while talking to me, and gradually distance myself from them, by just giving any bahana that I am busy or have to go out of town. After all, any sensible person will understand if he is being called at a person's 'home' to discuss work - that it's not just for work that he is being called for. "
Been There Known That
"I have been propositioned by one of Bollywood's biggest directors. I have been offered money to sleep with one of the biggest producers in Bollywood. These things keep happening, but then no one in the industry forces you to do it."
Aryan Vaid, actor
"I still remember how a model coordinator approached me and kept calling me till I told him I was not really his cup of tea."
Sonu Sood, actor
"I have been propositioned, but I have never really experienced the casting couch. Such offers are often made by middlemen who just try to exploit the situation. In my case, someone threatened to ruin me but ultimately that person turned out to be a nobody."
Samir Soni, model-turned-actor
Indian Actor Sheds Light On Bollywood's Gay Casting Couch
Bollywood star Ranveer Singh says he was once at the mercy of a male casting director.
The casting couch isn't just a phenomenon in Hollywood"it lives on in India's thriving film capital, Bollywood. And it's not just for women.
Ranveer Singh, star of 2010's Band Baaja Baaraat and other hit movies, recalls being propositioned by a male casting director as a young actor just starting out.
Singh says the man ignored his portfolio and tried to touch his crotch.
"He just kept it to the side and said 'You have to be smart. You have to be sexy. Take. Touch," recalls the actor, 30.
"I was in complete shock. Then he has the gall to negotiate with me. He says, 'Okay, we won't do anything. Just let me touch it.' Later he says 'Okay, okay, I'll only see it."
Singh demurred. "I was like 'uhh, no.' And he was heartbroken when I left, like a jilted lover."
He's since discussed the director with other actors, and found they had similar experiences
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