Actress recounts disturbing early career encounter, sheds light on film industry’s hidden reality
Mumbai : Behind the glamour and glitz of the film industry lies a dark and disturbing truth — one that many actresses have bravely spoken about over the years. Renowned actress Ankita Lokhande is among those who have shared their traumatic experiences, bringing attention to the murky reality of casting couch culture.
In a past interview, the actress opened up about a harrowing incident from the early days of her career, revealing that a producer once propositioned her in exchange for a role — a moment she says exposed her to the industry’s dark underbelly.
“I was just 19 when it happened”
Ankita recalled that she was barely 19 or 20 years old at the time, having just begun auditioning in the film industry. She shared how she was called in for an audition and found herself alone in a room, where the nature of the opportunity quickly turned questionable.
“Someone asked me indirectly what kind of compromise I would be willing to make. Whether I’d attend a party or go for dinner with the producer. I could sense what they were implying,” she said.
Producer Wanted to Sleep With Her
The actress continued, “I told them, ‘I think your producer wants to sleep with a girl.’ He couldn’t say it directly, but I understood. I was very smart even back then. I said, ‘He doesn’t want to work with a talented girl.’”
According to Ankita, the person then apologized and claimed he would try to get her a role regardless. But the actress made it clear she had no interest in such ‘offers’ and walked away from the meeting.
Fame Didn’t Protect Her from Exploitation
In a striking revelation, Ankita said the experience didn’t end with her rising fame. Even after becoming a well-known television star, she continued to face similar exploitation attempts while trying to enter the film world.
“I won’t name anyone, but it wasn’t just small actors — there were big names too. I felt very uncomfortable. It was a give-and-take situation, and I knew then that I wasn’t going to get work that way,” she said.
A Resilient Career Despite Challenges
Ankita Lokhande has since managed to carve a name for herself in the entertainment industry. She gained widespread recognition with her roles on television and later appeared in Kangana Ranaut’s Manikarnika in a supporting role. She was also seen alongside Randeep Hooda in the film Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, which, despite high expectations, failed at the box office.
Her courageous revelations once again highlight the persistent issue of casting couch in the film industry — an uncomfortable but necessary conversation that continues to demand attention and reform.
A Call for Safer Spaces in Entertainment
Ankita’s story is a powerful reminder that success does not shield women from exploitation. It also underlines the importance of continued dialogue and structural change in the industry, so that no young talent has to face what she did at the very beginning of her journey.
