Exclusive - Sehar Hone Ko Hai actress Falak Khan recalls facing casting couch during an audition; reveals a man said ‘I want to kiss you’

Actress Falak Khan discussed a disturbing experience she faced at an audition. She reveals the uncomfortable reality that many actors endure in silence. The experience that she had during an audition for a role in a drama series left a significant impact on her and shook her confidence.

Falak added, “I walked into that audition room with dreams in my eyes. I had practiced a lot, I knew my lines well, and I was really looking forward to it. But instead of discussing the script, the man across the table leaned back and said casually, ‘I want to kiss you.’ I was stunned. I was completely frozen for a few seconds. I didn’t know whether to say something, scream or leave. I wanted to believe that this was some horrible joke, but his face made it clear that it wasn’t.

What hurt me the most was not the sentence but the way he uttered it as if it was the most normal thing in the world. As if it was an ordinary part of the procedure. I walked out trying to be strong but when I got home I cried”. For one whole week, I was shivering. I kept asking myself if I had done something to warrant that statement. The comment made me question my worth, my talent and what my intentions were.”

She added, “For days, I was afraid to go to auditions. I started doubelling whether this industry was made for me. But then I learnt one very important thing- their behaviour is not a reflection of my capability. It reflects their mindset. No dream is big enough to sell your dignity. If someone cannot see your talent without crossing a line, they don’t deserve your presence in the room.”

Concluding thoughts, Falak stated, “Today I speak of it not for sympathy but for awareness. I want every aspiring actor to know that they can quit”. You can say no. Never should your self-respect be the cost of an opportunity. I chose to keep my head high and continued my journey with integrity. And the right opportunities come to those who refuse to bow down to the wrong demands.”