In a shocking revelation, actress Esther Noronha has shed light on the persistent issue of casting couch in the Telugu film industry, popularly known as Tollywood. During a recent interview with a YouTube channel, she claimed that many directors and producers still demand personal commitments from actresses before offering them roles, an alarming practice that continues to plague the industry.
Esther emphasized that the responsibility to curb the casting couch ultimately lies with the audience. She stated that if viewers collectively refuse to support projects associated with such unethical practices, the trend could diminish. Her comments come ahead of the release of her upcoming film, “Amaravathi Ki Aahwanam,” set to hit theaters on the 12th of this month.
In the interview, Esther recounted a recent experience where she received a call inquiring if she was open to making a commitment in exchange for a role. When she declined, the opportunity was swiftly withdrawn. This incident has led her to question the authenticity of claims made by many actresses who assert that they have succeeded solely based on talent and hard work. “It’s all a lie. Many of them have compromised,” she remarked, highlighting the hypocrisy in the industry’s narrative.
Esther expressed her frustration over the fact that actresses who lack genuine talent often land significant roles, attributing it to the industry’s reliance on personal commitments. She criticized the practice of mediators who subtly inquire about commitments before revealing the identity of the producers or directors involved. “Once a green signal is given from the producer’s side, only then do they disclose the name of the person who asked for the commitment,” she explained, indicating the covert nature of these negotiations.
She also called out the double standards prevalent in the industry. While some actresses present themselves as virtuous figures, they often engage in the very practices they publicly denounce. Esther lamented the lack of clarity about her own standing in the industry, suggesting that the audience’s perception is often tainted by the actions of others. “If I were to agree to a commitment, would I not have received at least one major project by now?” she questioned, pointing to her consistent support from fans and the media.
Esther further criticized the new generation of actors and actresses, whom she referred to as the “Uncles Batch.” She noted that many of these newcomers are not asking about commitments, as they are more focused on their fashion and style rather than succumbing to the casting couch culture. However, she believes that the older generation continues to exploit vulnerabilities within the industry, using them to solicit commitments.
She concluded by calling for a collective effort to eliminate the casting couch from Tollywood. Esther urged the audience to be vigilant and boycott films that involve actors who compromise their integrity for roles. “Only then will the casting couch come to an end,” she asserted, emphasizing the need for accountability in the industry akin to practices seen in Hollywood and Bollywood.
