Soon after the #MeToo campaign that took the internet by storm, many Bollywood celebrities came ahead and talked about their sexual abuses which they had to go through in the industry. The most recent celebrities who opened up in this regard is Marathi artiste Usha Jadhav and Bollywood actress Radhika Apte. Both of them have made some astounding statements on 'Bollywood's Dark Secret', an international documentary which will be aired on BBC World this weekend.
Our documentary on sexual harrassment and abuse in #Bollywood airs this weekend on @bbcworld news. Timings on the link. It’s stirred a conversation in India about why #Bollywood hasn’t had a #metoo moment, but still few big stars willing to call out abuse. https://t.co/leV4f8OpXU
— Rajini Vaidyanathan (@BBCRajiniV) April 27, 2018
Below is the image of Bollywood actress Radhika Apte and Marathi film star Usha Jadhav
Radhika said that in Bollywood people are very influential.
Some of them are even considered as Gods. And because of these authoritative people, female actors often think that their opinion would hardly matter. The woman even feared that their career might be destroyed. Radhika said that #MeToo campaign has taken Hollywood by storm and she wished something similar should happen in Bollywood too.
Casting-couch is a much-used word these days, BBC has now come up with a documentary on the issue.https://t.co/X97GqMAa6E
— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) April 26, 2018
The documentary, "Bollywood’s Dark Secret", will be aired around the world on Saturday and Sunday.https://t.co/3q4qfTMPkf
— The Hindu (@the_hindu) April 25, 2018
SHOCKING! #RadhikaApte, #UshaJadhav on #CastingCouch! He touched and KISSED me wherever he wanted! #BollywoodDarkSecret is out! https://t.co/cjQU0nDaXz
— Stardust Magazine (@Stardust_Magna) April 26, 2018
The recent controversy on the casting couch
SHOCKING! #RadhikaApte, #UshaJadhav on #CastingCouch! He touched and KISSED me wherever he wanted! #BollywoodDarkSecret is out! https://t.co/cjQU0nDaXz
— Stardust Magazine (@Stardust_Magna) April 26, 2018
A few days back renowned choreographer Saroj Khan’s comments on sexual favors provoked controversy in the industry.
She made her comment in return for a query on Telugu actor Sri Reddy. Recently Ms. Reddy stripped in objection to the casting couch practice in Telugu cinemas. With regard to this Saroj Kahan landed in a dispute following her remarks in favor of casting couch in Bollywood. She said that this has been prevalent for a very long time in the film industry. She stated that at least the industry offers employment to the actress and doesn’t disregard somebody after raping them. This statement provoked debate in the entertainment industry. Later on, Saroj Khan said sorry for her remarks.
Yeh chala aa raha hai Baba azam ke zamaane se. Har ladki ke upar koi na koi haath saaf karne ki koshish karta hai. Govt ke log bhi karte hain. Tum film industry ke peeche kyun pade ho? Woh kam se kam roti toh deti hai. Rape karke chhod toh nahi deti: Saroj Khan on Casting Couch. pic.twitter.com/xvHxSbvhzg
— ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2018
Yeh ladki ke upar hai ki tum kya karna chahti ho. Tum uske haath mein nahi aana chahti ho toh nahi aaogi. Tumhare paas art hai toh tum kyun bechoge apne aap ko? Film industry ko kuch mat kehna, woh humaara mai-baap hai: Saroj Khan on Casting Couch. pic.twitter.com/kYpPAPWMtB
— ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2018
In Bollywood, they don't rape and leave you. They at least give livelihood: #SarojKhan defends casting couchhttps://t.co/jrggi0k6Y0
— Republic (@republic) April 24, 2018
#UPDATE - I apologise for my statement: Choreographer Saroj Khan to CNN-News18 on her statement defending casting couch. pic.twitter.com/cMB6d0QopR
— News18 (@CNNnews18) April 24, 2018
'I lost respect for you' #SriReddy reacts to #SarojKhan comment on casting couch in Bollywood https://t.co/IscmP2mGAS pic.twitter.com/CQitzYwu1z
— dna After Hrs (@dnaAfterHrs) April 24, 2018
Usha Jadhav on the casting couch
'I lost respect for you' #SriReddy reacts to #SarojKhan comment on casting couch in Bollywood https://t.co/IscmP2mGAS pic.twitter.com/CQitzYwu1z
— dna After Hrs (@dnaAfterHrs) April 24, 2018
Usha Jadhav is a Marathi National film award-winning actress.
She is well known for "Dhag," a 2012 Marathi film. She recounted her experience on sexual favors in the BBC documentary. She alleges that it is very common for someone who could provide her work to ask for unwanted physical contact. Describing one incident she said that she was once told to offer something in return if she wanted a role in a movie. Usha asserted that it is vital for abused girls to talk about casting couch. Unless more woman opens up their experiences, the casting couch trend would not come to an end.
Usha caused a buzz with her narrative on casting couch in BBC documentary. She was asked if she had any instances to disclose in the show. She said that it was an experience which she hides for a very long time. BBC World is making a documentary on casting couch culture in Indian cinema. It was reported that the casting couch expose has hit America after Harvey Weinstein, the film producer has allegedly accused of sexual abuse by a number of Hollywood actresses. With the publication of these reports The Weinstein Company (he was the co-founder) terminated Harvey Weinstein and debarred from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Marathi actor Usha Jadhav opens up on casting couch: He touched me and kissed me wherever he wanted pic.twitter.com/lIB5xQp48l
— Nitish Shekhar (@nitzrulzx412) April 26, 2018
‘Bollywoods Dark Secret’ will showcase how influential people take advantage from actors in return for work in the industry.
Usha Jadhav quoted that if more people come ahead it will assist in the #MeToo drive to reach film industry.