Behind the glamour, the grim reality

It's probably always been a part of Bollywood, but it never fails to shock. Casting couch is very much a reality in the industry that ironically presents a rosy view of life. But few choose to speak about this menace, for reasons that are obvious – career concerns, fear of retribution, backlash from peers, and so on.

All the same, on a search for the truth about casting couch and a TV special on it, which incidentally aired last weekend on a leading Hindi news channel, I came across some details that did a good job of putting me off films. Behind the smiles and the makeup lie the pain of compromises, the lack of trust and maybe even regret, all masked to earn the daily bread, with some butter on it. My first stop was, of course, the cream of Bollywood – the A-list names that audiences go gaga over. Strangely, this bunch was the one that was staunchly opposed to passing a single comment about the casting couch. None of the top notch people in the industry wanted to be associated with a topic so sensitive. Most would either not comment or vehemently deny that the casting couch existed at all.

Then I tried to target the second rung of actors and actresses, who are somewhere between 'strugglers' and 'A-listers'. They're finding their way around and are looking for a chance to break into the top bracket. Of course, they too are reluctant to talk about the menace, mainly because they don't want to rock the boat that might take them to stardom. Many have strong protectors in image managers and publicists, who monitor each and every word uttered by their clients to edit out politically incorrect statements. "My client is undergoing an image change and we would prefer him/her to not be associated with issues like this," was the standard response I received from these. It's hard to blame them. There's many a slip between the cup and the lip.

Some, however, were willing to speak up on conditions of anonymity. Model and actor Aryan Vaid boldly agreed to talk about his experiences. "I have been propositioned by one of Bollywood's biggest directors. I have been offered money to sleep with politicians by one of the biggest ever producers in Bollywood. These things keep happening but no one forces you in the industry," he says. The director in question is famous for his top star cast and his movies almost always have an international element to them. And politics? How
does one explain a top and prominent leader from one of the nation's most conservative political parties to seek sexual favors from actors? Preach what you don't practice seems the motto. It's scary then to think that these are the people shaping the country. Dale Bhagwagar, who is publicist to the likes of Shilpa Shetty and Hrithik Roshan, says: "When people are in a position of power a world of opportunity is open to them. With beautiful people around, the couch is just another pleasure trip that many choose to take."

The most vocal group was perhaps what we derogatorily call the 'strugglers'. The worst affected by the casting couch, they are exploited as they struggle to make ends meet in the hope that someday the world will sit up and take notice of them. They're more than willing to talk, for two reasons – an opportunity to air their grievances and free publicity (it's hard to not be an attention-seeker in this industry).

After talking to some of them, you realize that there are very few who might have escaped the couch. Yes, few are caught in the act, but most grin and bear it and give their bodies in return for fame, fortune and wards. Surprise, surprise – not many even consider this swap immoral. All is fair in love and the search for success.

When it comes to survival, morals can't give you food, clothing and shelter, can it? "Everyone is propositioned. But the ones affected most are the ones who come from outside Mumbai. They are the ones who have to get work somehow. Mumbai is an expensive city and to survive here, ethics sometimes don't help," says Poonam Jhaver. Those who cannot compromise take the train back home, but many see sex as a small exchange for dreams fulfilled.

Actress Nandini Jhumani simplifies it thus: "It's a game of give and take. If you want something you have to give something. This is the common rule of life. Why is this being blown into such a big issue? If two people are okay with what they are doing, then it's a win-win situation. We all know that without talent one can't get far. Sex is only a tool."

That's practical if not altogether palatable to many. But even then, not everyone can suppress their conscience to go with the flow. Television actor Bobby Vats is one person who couldn't warm anyone's bed to be a star. "There are good people, but it really depends on who you decide to associate with. I am six feet-two inches tall and could've had a great future in ramp modeling. But when I refused to get into the big bisexual circle that involves top fashionistas, I was no longer welcome in the industry." He even mentions the name of a top designer who openly propositioned him. "He does shows all over India and he works with all the top models including John Abraham and Arjun Rampal. I am not saying that everyone who works with him is like that. But a lot of them are. Today, when I see myself not working with him, I feel bad. But then I think of my ethics and feel happy I made the choice I did. I have to be able to look myself in the mirror," Vats adds.

Two others who had a tough time battling the lecherous eyes of Bollywood's bad boys are item girls Liza Malik and Nikita. Both have just started out in the industry but have had experiences that will shock you. While Nikita accuses one of the big producers in the industry of attempted rape, Liza alleges that a director who was recently nominated in the best director category of IIFA tried to misbehave with her.

As a journalist, all I can do is bring out these stories, of course with the names of both the accuser and the accused left out. Because there is no way to substantiate the accusations, because the old order might change but casting couch is handed down, because there are careers and livelihoods at stake, because the menace is very much a part of being a star. All the same, there's a certain part of me that still can't accept it and move on. Penning these down is but one more way to vocalize my angst.

Source : Pavithra Selvam/ Sanskriti Media