Actress Fatima Sana Sheikh of Dangal fame, recently stirred controversy by revealing past casting couch experiences.
She shared that a casting agent once questioned if she was willing to “do everything” for a film role. Initially stunned, she denied the proposal.
Fatima explained she pretended to be unaware to test how far the agent would go.
She also mentioned that while some South Indian directors discuss the casting couch, they do so subtly.
Her remarks were later misunderstood, leading people to believe she was targeting the entire South film industry.
Clarifying the issue, Fatima said her comments were twisted. She stressed she referred to a single incident, not the whole industry.
According to her, such exploitation is sadly widespread, affecting women across sectors — not just in films. Her intention was to highlight a broader societal issue, not blame a specific region or profession.
In a way Fatima is prudent in avoiding any misconception on her that she is blaming only the South Indian film industry and intending that entire Bollywood is free from such casting couch incidents.
