Surveen Chawla Exposes Casting Couch Realities in the Film Industry
By Kishan Baraiya
Published on May 30, 2025
Bollywood actress Surveen Chawla, known for her bold performances in films like Hate Story 2, Parched, and the web series Sacred Games, has once again brought the dark side of the entertainment industry into the spotlight. In a recent interview on The Male Feminist podcast, the actress shared shocking experiences of facing casting couch incidents, including one particularly disturbing encounter after her marriage in 2015. Her candid revelations shed light on the persistent issues of harassment and body-shaming in the film industry, sparking a much-needed conversation about professionalism and respect in cinema.
A Shocking Incident Post-Marriage
Surveen recounted a harrowing experience that took place at a director’s office on Mumbai’s Veera Desai Road. After a professional meeting where the director discussed her recent marriage and her husband’s profession, he shockingly attempted to kiss her as she was leaving. “We talked about my marriage in the meeting, and yet, as I was about to leave, he leaned in to kiss me. I had to push him back and walk away, completely startled,” Surveen shared. This incident, which occurred despite her marital status being known, highlights the audacity and lack of boundaries some individuals in the industry exhibit.
Casting Couch in the South Indian Film Industry
Surveen, who has worked across Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada cinema, also revealed facing casting couch pressures in the South Indian film industry. In one instance, a National Award-winning director conveyed through a mutual acquaintance that he expected her to sleep with him during a film shoot. “I was told directly through someone else, as he wasn’t fluent in Hindi or English,” she said, emphasizing the predatory behavior she encountered. Surveen firmly refused such demands, stating, “I am too much in love with my dignity and self-respect. Work will bring me work, and that’s my motto.”
Body-Shaming and Unrealistic Standards
In addition to casting couch experiences, Surveen opened up about the body-shaming she faced, particularly in the South Indian film industry. During auditions, she was scrutinized for her weight and physical appearance, with comments like, “You’re too thin, you won’t have bosoms,” or questions about her waist and chest size. “They make it their job to make you feel insecure,” she said in a previous interview with RJ Siddharth Kannan. These experiences reflect the industry’s troubling obsession with superficial standards, often overshadowing talent and professionalism.
A Voice for Change
Surveen’s courage in speaking out about these issues is commendable, especially in an industry where such topics are often swept under the rug. She noted that Bollywood has progressed in terms of professionalism, with stronger women and filmmakers prioritizing talent over exploitative practices. “I feel great that I haven’t encountered this in Bollywood,” she said, crediting her experiences to luck and her firm stance against compromising her values.
Her openness is a call to action for the industry to foster a safer, more respectful environment for artists. By sharing her story, Surveen joins other actors who have spoken out against harassment, encouraging a shift toward accountability and change.
Surveen’s Journey and Upcoming Projects
Surveen Chawla began her career with television shows like Kahiin To Hoga and Kasautii Zindagii Kay before transitioning to films. Her notable works include Ugly, Parched, and the Netflix series Sacred Games. She recently starred in Criminal Justice Season 4 alongside Pankaj Tripathi and is set to return in Rana Naidu Season 2, premiering on Netflix on June 13, 2025. Despite the challenges she faced, Surveen’s resilience and talent continue to shine through in her diverse body of work.
Final Thoughts
Surveen Chawla’s revelations about the casting couch and body-shaming are a stark reminder of the challenges many actors, especially women, face in the entertainment industry. Her refusal to compromise her dignity and her commitment to her craft make her a powerful voice for change. As fans, we can support such artists by celebrating their work and advocating for a more inclusive and respectful industry.
Follow Kishan Baraiya on kishanbaraiya.com for more entertainment insights and updates.