The film industry, often perceived as glamorous, has recently faced increased scrutiny regarding its treatment of actors, particularly actresses. Several Bollywood actresses who have ventured into South Indian cinema have shared their experiences, shedding light on the challenges and uncomfortable situations they encountered.

One such actress, Fatima Sana Shaikh, known for her role in "Dangal," recently opened up about her experiences with the casting couch in the South Indian film industry. In a candid conversation, she revealed unsettling encounters with agents and producers while pursuing roles in the South. She recounted an uncomfortable interaction with a casting agent who repeatedly insinuated inappropriate expectations. "He asked me, 'You will be ready to do everything, right?'" she shared, expressing her unease with the agent's persistent questioning.

Fatima also recalled an incident in Hyderabad, where producers openly alluded to the expectation of "meeting people" to secure roles. While acknowledging that not everyone in the industry behaves this way, she expressed sadness over the unfortunate experiences of others and highlighted that even renowned actors and actresses have faced abuse.

Echoing Fatima's sentiments, actress Mohini, a well-known face in 90s South Indian cinema, recently revealed that she was forced to perform intimate scenes in the movie 'Kanmani' despite her discomfort. She admitted that she was pressured to shoot a swimsuit scene even though she didn't know how to swim and was uncomfortable doing so in front of male instructors. "I was so uncomfortable, I cried and refused to do it, and the shooting was halted for half a day," Mohini stated. Despite her initial refusal, she eventually gave in to avoid further disruption to the production. "It felt like I was 'forced' to do that sequence," she confessed.

These revelations contribute to the ongoing conversation about the dark realities of the film industry, highlighting the power dynamics and potential for exploitation that many actors and actresses face. The #MeToo movement and the Hema Committee reports in Kerala have further underscored the prevalence of such exploitation, exposing the abusive power dynamics within the industry. While Bollywood is often the center of attention, these accounts reveal that the South Indian film industry is not immune to such issues.

Despite these challenges, many Bollywood actresses have found success in South Indian cinema and vice versa. Actresses like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Taapsee Pannu began their careers in South Indian films before making it big in Bollywood. These actresses have successfully navigated both industries, showcasing their talent and versatility across different languages and cultures.

However, the experiences shared by Fatima Sana Shaikh and Mohini serve as a reminder that the film industry needs to prioritize creating a safer and more respectful working environment for everyone involved. It is crucial to address the issue of the casting couch and ensure that actors and actresses are not subjected to pressure or coercion. By fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and respect, the industry can attract and retain talent while upholding ethical standards.