In a recent success meet for the movie ‘Manashankara Varaprasad’, Megastar Chiranjeevi made headlines by stating that there is no casting couch in the film industry. His comments sparked immediate backlash from renowned singer Chinmayi Sripaada, who took to social media to express her dissent. While her response was respectful towards Chiranjeevi, she strongly reiterated the ongoing issues of casting couch prevalent in the industry, particularly affecting women.
Chinmayi’s response was pointed and clear, stating, “The claim that there is no casting couch in the industry is completely false.” She elaborated on the term ‘commitment,’ which in the context of the film industry, carries a vastly different connotation than its traditional meaning. “In English, ‘commitment’ implies dedication to one’s profession. However, in the film industry, it often translates to women being compelled to compromise their integrity to secure roles,” she explained. This stark contrast highlights the challenges women face in the industry, where they are frequently subjected to unwanted advances from male counterparts.
Chinmayi contrasted the current environment with that of Chiranjeevi’s era, noting that during his time, there was a greater respect for female artists. She emphasized, “Women were treated with dignity and often regarded as friends and family members. Such an atmosphere seems to be lacking today.” Her remarks indicate a significant shift in the culture of the film industry, suggesting that the respect once afforded to women has diminished over the years.
Furthermore, Chinmayi opened up about her own experiences with sexual harassment in the industry, recounting a particularly troubling incident involving lyricist Vairamuthu. She recalled how her mother was present during the incident, yet the male aggressor continued his advances without regard for her dignity. “Despite my mother being there, Vairamuthu thought it was acceptable to behave inappropriately. I never asked him for sexual favors; I worked with him purely for the opportunities it presented,” she stated, emphasizing the complexities faced by women trying to navigate their careers in such an environment.
Chinmayi also expressed her disappointment with some veteran actresses, such as the senior actress Shavukaru Janaki, who, according to her, fail to comprehend the gravity of the movement against casting couch practices. In an interview, she remarked on how victims are often belittled and blamed, further perpetuating a culture of silence and fear. “The industry is not a mirror; it demands a certain level of submission, and unfortunately, there are many men who seek to exploit this,” she concluded.
Chinmayi’s candid remarks resonate with many in the industry, bringing to light the harsh realities that women continue to face. As discussions around the casting couch gain momentum, it is clear that more voices like Chinmayi’s are needed to advocate for change and ensure that the film industry becomes a safe and respectful space for all artists.
