"very direct propositions were made to get cast"
Prachi Desai opened up on her casting couch experience, revealing that a director asked her for sexual favours in return for a role in a “big film”.
The actress made a successful transition from TV to films. Her last project was in 2017 but now she has returned to films and has projects lined up.
However, during an interview, Prachi recalled her casting couch experience.
The actress explained that she refused his offer.
But despite the refusal, the director continued to call her.
Prachi said: “I think very direct propositions were made to get cast in a certain film, a big film, but I have outright said no.
“Even after that director has called me, after saying no, I have still said that I am not interested in your film.”
Prachi also stated that she has been taking up fewer projects because she did not want to do repetitive roles.
She admitted that there is pressure to be seen onscreen and to earn a living but she did not give in to repetitive projects.
Prachi continued: “Had I let that pressure get to me, I would have agreed to all the offers that came to me.
“I got many roles with great directors and stories but I felt the role wouldn’t benefit me in any way.
“The roles didn’t add anything to my career so I’d to let go of those films.
“It comes from the space of being strong-minded and knowing what I want. Being in the limelight wasn’t my goal as anyway I shy away from it.”
Prachi acknowledged that nepotism exists in Bollywood, stating that it was another reason why she has not been in more films.
She said: “I would say that just like corruption in politics; nepotism exists in Bollywood; there is no denying what is already there and it’s very much there.
“I’m glad that OTT has come in; there are so many options and varied content to watch out for now.”
Prachi Desai made her acting debut in the soap Kasamh Se in 2006.
She moved into films, featuring the likes of Rock On!!, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai and Bol Bachchan.
Prachi appeared in the short film Carbon in 2017 before taking a break.
She has returned in 2021 with the thriller Silence… Can You Hear It? opposite Manoj Bajpayee. The film was released on ZEE5.
Her other project is Kosha, a dark urban fantasy.
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