Exclusive: Ex Bigg Boss Kannada contestants Rahman and Krishi say that casting couch is a reality

The world of glitz and glamour is known to be embroiled in controversies topics but it is seldom that celebrities address issues like casting couch, depression or even nepotism that prevails in the industry.
For example, while raising the topic of the existence of casting couch it can be recalled that almost a month ago the entertainment industry was caught off guard when Telegu actress Sri Reddy made serious accusations and dropped big names, leaked photos and videos in a desperate attempt to shed light on the much talked about issue.
The actress was also quoted as saying, “Almost all Tollywood directors have asked for sexual favours. Most actresses are not coming out and saying this aloud fearing for their reputation and career". Although the controversy garnered a lot of attention very few stars were willing to talk about it.
On the other hand, the Kannada TV industry has had its own share of controversies when it comes to youngsters falling prey in order to bag opportunities in the entertainment field.
A few months ago, the organizers of Pyaate Hudugir Halli Life Season 4, which is currently on air, made headlines for propositioning young girls during the auditions for the reality TV show. The organizers of the show faced the ire of a few college girls alleging their objectionable behaviour.
College girls, who came to audition, had alleged that the organizers had asked them to kiss the crew and remove their clothes in front of them. This infuriated the girls and made them stage a protest.
A girl had alleged that separate lines were created for girls who came in short dresses and they even asked questions related to sex which was not necessary for this reality show. When the situation was getting out of control, the auditions were immediately stopped.
While most movie and TV celebs neither comment or accept the existence of casting couch, Ex Bigg Boss Kannada contestant Rahman Haseeb says it is an ugly truth which people should not turn a blind eye to.
While talking exclusively to TimesofIndia.com we asked Rahman's take on the casting couch issue and if he has encountered it.
The Sri Reddy case had raised a lot of eyebrows lately. The topic is such that it can easily make the people who are associated with the industry very uncomfortable. As a news anchor, I had hosted shows on this topic several times.
In fact, when I use to be a news anchor my channel had done a sting operation on a few popular names then and I was chosen to interview the victims the entire day. From what I learned from the victims was that they are asked to compromise even for smaller roles and not just lucrative ones. It was shocking to hear their stories but I personally think that the situation is a lot different now.
The sad reality is casting couch is an ugly truth that we all know exists and we cannot turn a blind eye to it. I am relatively new to this industry but fortunately, I have not experienced anything like that. Earlier, filmmaking was expensive and one had to be really fortunate to bag a role. These days with the arrival of multiplexes you don't need a big producer to produce films. A lot of youngsters are making films with a shoestring budget. The opportunity is also vast. I always open doors to freshers and new ideas. So, you always have an option to say 'no' to such advances and try elsewhere if you believe in your talent.
I would also like to add that everyone in the industry is not the same. The struggle for survival is tough but at least there are people who have their morality intact.
On the other hand, Krishi Thapanda, a popular name in the TV industry, who was also a part of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 5, also shared a similar incident.
When TimesofIndia.com had asked Krishi's take on the prevalence of casting couch, she said, "Casting couch does exist and I have spoken about this even before. We are actors treat us like one, we need to be chosen on how we perform on screen not for how we perform inside in between walls. I can do anything to give life to a character I play. But a big no to do things for a chance to play a character.
Luckily I have worked with a brilliant team so far. On the other hand, I did not get a few offers which included casting couch but nobody forced me to do anything. I instead worked with a team who believed in my work and talent"