Actress Kalki Koechlin has bravely opened up about her unsettling encounter with the casting couch during her early days in the film industry. Speaking in a recent interview, Kalki recalled how, during a visit to the Cannes Film Festival as a student representing a brand, she was approached by an Indian producer who made an indecent proposal. He insinuated that she would need to “be with him” if she wanted opportunities in the film industry. Kalki firmly rejected the offer and walked away, a decision that reflected her strength and integrity even at a young age.
This was not an isolated incident for Kalki. She went on to share another disturbing experience from her early career in India, where during an audition, a producer casually implied that professional opportunities would require her to meet him repeatedly for dinners. Again, Kalki turned down the offer, only to later realize that her refusal meant she would not be called back for the project. Despite the potential setback to her career, she remained steadfast in her decision not to compromise her values for work.
Reflecting on these experiences, Kalki stated that the casting couch does exist in the industry, but she always made sure to walk away the moment she sensed anything uncomfortable. She acknowledged that such choices came with consequences. After the success of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Kalki revealed she was out of work for seven to nine months simply because she didn’t entertain such propositions. She emphasized that while these experiences were hurtful, they were not uncommon and many in the industry have faced similar challenges.
Kalki, known for her outspoken views and advocacy for women’s rights, has consistently used her platform to highlight issues like harassment and mental health. Beyond her personal experiences with harassment in the industry, she has also publicly spoken about surviving childhood abuse and the emotional struggles that followed. Through her work with the BBC World Service podcast My Indian Life, and her involvement in the #MeToo movement, Kalki continues to advocate for creating safer spaces for women in the industry.
Her candid revelations not only shed light on the harsh realities of the entertainment world but also serve as a source of inspiration for others navigating similar challenges. Kalki’s story is a powerful reminder that standing one’s ground, even in the face of career setbacks, is an act of courage that paves the way for change.
