COURTKUTCHEHRY SPECIAL FOCUS ON CASTING COUCH LEGAL REMEDIES
Casting Couch in Indian Cinema: Rampant Exploitation and How Victims Can Seek Justice
Dark Reality of Glamour Industry: Casting Couch and Its Prevalence
Steps to Avoid Exploitation and Legal Remedies for Victims
By Our Legal Correspondent
New Delhi: January 02, 2026:
The recent Kerala High Court decision to grant bail to a filmmaker accused of sexual assault under the casting couch practice has once again brought attention to the dark side of the glamour industry. While cinema and fashion are celebrated for creativity and fame, behind the scenes many aspiring actors face exploitation. The term casting couch has become synonymous with sexual favours demanded in exchange for roles or opportunities.
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The casting couch refers to sexual exploitation in the entertainment industry where aspiring actors are coerced into sexual favours in exchange for roles. Reports and investigations show it remains a rampant problem in Bollywood and regional cinema despite awareness campaigns and the #MeToo movement. Victims can avoid such exploitation by recognizing red flags, insisting on professional auditions, and filing complaints with police, film associations, or human rights bodies like the NHRC.
Despite campaigns like #MeToo and reports by committees such as the Justice Hema Committee in Kerala, the problem remains widespread across Bollywood and regional industries.
What is Casting Couch?
The casting couch refers to situations where:
- Producers, directors, or agents demand sexual favours from aspiring actors or models.
- Victims are often young, inexperienced, and desperate for opportunities.
- Exploitation occurs under the guise of auditions, meetings, or promises of roles.
It is a form of sexual harassment and abuse of power, violating workplace safety and human dignity.
Rampant Prevalence in the Glamour Industry
Investigations and testimonies reveal that casting couch is not isolated but systemic:
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- Bollywood: Several actors, including Surveen Chawla, have spoken openly about-facing casting couch early in their careers.
- Regional Cinema: The Justice Hema Committee report exposed widespread harassment in the Malayalam film industry.
- NHRC Intervention: In February 2025, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) directed Maharashtra Police to submit an action-taken report on casting couch incidents in Bollywood.
- #MeToo Movement: Sparked a wave of revelations, forcing the industry to confront entrenched exploitation.
These reports show that sexual exploitation remains rampant, despite stricter laws and growing awareness.
Why Victims Are Vulnerable
- Power Imbalance: Aspiring actors depend on influential figures for opportunities.
- Lack of Regulation: Informal audition processes make exploitation easier.
- Fear of Retaliation: Victims worry about losing career prospects if they speak out.
- Social Stigma: Many hesitate to complain due to shame or fear of public judgment.
How Victims Can Avoid Exploitation
- Recognize Red Flags:
- Private auditions in hotels or homes.
- Promises of roles without contracts.
- Pressure for secrecy.
- Insist on Professional Processes:
- Attend auditions only at studios or official offices.
- Demand written contracts before agreeing to roles.
- Build Support Networks:
- Connect with industry unions and associations.
- Share experiences with trusted peers.
- Use Legal Remedies:
- File complaints under Section 354 (sexual assault) and Section 376 (rape) of the IPC.
- Approach police stations, women’s commissions, or film associations.
- Seek help from NHRC, which monitors human rights violations in the industry.
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How to Make a Complaint
- Police FIR: Victims can lodge a First Information Report (FIR) at the nearest police station.
- Internal Committees: Film production houses are required to have Internal Complaints Committees under the POSH Act (Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, 2013).
- NHRC and Women’s Commissions: Victims can approach these bodies for independent inquiries.
- Legal Aid: NGOs and legal aid cells provide free assistance to victims.
Broader Impact of Casting Couch
- On Victims: Leads to trauma, loss of confidence, and career setbacks.
- On Industry: Damages credibility and discourages genuine talent.
- On Society: Normalizes exploitation if unchecked, undermining gender equality.
Conclusion
The Kerala High Court case is a reminder that casting couch remains a serious issue in India’s glamour industry. While awareness has grown, exploitation continues due to power imbalances and lack of regulation. Seniors in the industry, unions, and regulators must ensure safe, transparent, and fair casting processes.
For aspiring actors, vigilance, professional conduct, and legal awareness are crucial. For society, the lesson is clear: talent must be valued over exploitation, and justice must protect the vulnerable.
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