Helly Shah recalls ‘Compromise’ Demand for Web Series Role

Helly Shah has spoken out about a disturbing experience in the entertainment industry, revealing she was asked to “compromise” in exchange for a role in a web show.

The actress recalled being offered a major web show but only if she met an undisclosed demand.

Helly, best known for her work in Indian television, said she has always turned down projects that clashed with her values.

But the experience she described this time, she said, crossed a serious line.

She explained she was contacted for a prominent role and was surprised by the outreach.

Without naming the production, Helly said: “But I asked them, are you approaching me or are you just pitching my name?

“So they said we are approaching you. I said okay, great.

“Then there was this huge message, ‘There is a condition. You will have to come to a certain place and this and that. I said, please find somebody else. I cannot do it’.”

However, the response she received left her deeply unsettled.

Helly continued: “The person said that it is okay on phone also.

“I mean, I am okay online. I do not know how to put it. I do not know how to frame that sentence either. That it will work online. Online compromise. Yes, okay.

“I was like, ‘What is this?’ I blocked that number, and I mean, these things happen, and people are really shameless.

“There is no decency at all. It is just, it is bad that there are people like this.”

Helly Shah’s account is the latest in a string of revelations highlighting exploitative practices behind the scenes of the film and television industry.

She did not reveal the name of the project or those involved but made clear she distanced herself from the role entirely.

The actress is now preparing for the release of her upcoming Gujarati film Deda.

Directed by Hema Shukla, the drama explores the challenges of a woman with a complicated pregnancy. Helly stars alongside Gaurav Paswala, Sonali Lele Desai and Mehul Buch.

Produced by Brijraj Entertainment in association with TM Entertainment, Deda is scheduled for theatrical release on July 4.