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Chitrangada Singh on the existence of casting couch in Bollywood

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.

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Top India survey reveals Bollywood divide: A-listers thrive as crew members face 60 per cent pay cuts

Character artists, assistant directors, makeup artists and technical crews are among those hit hardest, with many relying on daily shoots and project-based income

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Top India survey reveals Bollywood divide: A-listers thrive as crew members face 60 per cent pay cuts

Highlights

  • Entertainment workers report 50-60 per cent pay cuts compared to earlier years.
  • Behind-the-scenes staff most affected by industry slowdown.
  • Many workers leave Mumbai or take side jobs to cover expenses.
India's entertainment industry is facing growing money problems as workers across Bollywood and television production report major pay cuts and less work.
A survey by Top India, involving more than 1,000 people linked to the entertainment sector, shows many workers are either getting limited work or seeing their salaries drop sharply.

Many people in the survey said payments for available projects have fallen by nearly 50 to 60 percent compared to previous years. The money troubles come as the world deals with tensions and economic uncertainty.

Recent moves for energy savings and tighter spending across sectors have added pressure, with clear effects now showing in Bollywood and television production.

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