MeToo flagbearer Tanushree Dutta REACTS to Chiranjeevi’s casting couch remark; 'Really far removed from the ground reality'

Tanushree Dutta, who sparked the entire MeToo movement in 2018, has reacted to Chiranjeevi's statement that casting couches don't exist. In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, the actress shared what steps should the superstar should do in order for the betterment of the women working in the film industry and much more.

Chiranjeevi feels the casting couch is a myth?

With due respect, it seems like Mr. Chiranjeevi is really far removed from the ground reality of the film industry and life on planet earth in general. There are bad men who do bad things, and the experience of all women cannot be dismissed by one statement.

Is this his way of stating he is comfortably removed from the murk?

He must use his top position to change this phenomenon in the film industry instead of denying it. The blame for the casting couch is often put on the woman, like, she asked for it; she was wrongly dressed, etc.


No, it does not depend on how virtuous a woman is. The ground reality is we live in a world where it’s very well known worldwide that predatory men take advantage of the vulnerability of women, especially at workplaces. They use manipulation, cornering tactics, gaslighting, blatant force, or whatever they can to prey on female professionals, and every single actress, big or small, has some horror story to share at some point in her career. Are they all wrong??

Of course not, so the patriarchal system feels women should stay at home?

Not every woman has the luxury of sitting at home and living the soft, comfortable life and being provided for and protected. The ones who do must appreciate it. Some women have no option but to go out there in this big bad world to earn their bread and butter in a dog-eat-dog world. Everyone deserves dignity in the workplace regardless of gender and social status.

What is the solution?

The powerful, like Chiranjeeviji, must protect the weak, not be a predator to the weak. But there are uncivilized people out there, and we all agree. Film industry men often just live in their own bubble, so their words of dismissal towards such topics must be taken with a pinch of salt. Onscreen is the only place they fight the bad guys and save women. In real life 99.99% of them prefer to support, protect, and work with the bad guys and dismiss the plight of women altogether. This should show us all to treat actors like actors and not like gods.

Your closing thoughts?

I feel terribly sorry that a person of Chiranjeevi’s stature has such views. Clearly these views have no basis in reality. He could rise to the occasion with compassion and understanding instead of dismissing everyone else's reality. I believe Cheeranjiviji can emerge to be a real-life hero too the day he decides to support his industry women by using his position to create a safer workplace. It will be a real noble thing to do.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”