"I would be clueless about it at that time.”
Indian film actress and model Sherlyn Chopra has revealed the grim reality of casting couch in Bollywood when she initially started her career.
The actress is known for being vocal about issues that bother her and certainly does not shy away from expressing them.
The phrase ‘casting couch’ refers to the corrupt mentality held by directors and filmmaker who take undue advantage of budding actors and actresses.
In this instance, inspiring actors and actresses are asked for sexual favours in exchange for film opportunities.
Sherlyn Chopra recalled how she would be invited to ‘dinner’ at midnight. Due to her naivety, Sherlyn was not able to understand their true intentions. She said:
“Initially, when I was a nobody in the eyes of the world, I would often approach filmmakers hoping that they would see in me the potential that I saw in me.
“I would go to them with my portfolio and they would be like, ‘Acha okay, theek hai, hum milte hai dinner par.’ [Okay, let us meet for dinner].
“And I would be like, ‘When should I come for dinner?’ and they would tell me to come at 11 or 12 in the night.
“And I would be clueless about it at that time.”
Eventually, Sherlyn realised that the filmmakers did not have professional intentions in mind. She said:
“For them, dinner means compromise. So, when this happened like four to five times, then I realised, ‘So, that is what dinner stands for!’ Dinner means, ‘Come to me, baby.’”
Once Sherlyn Chopra became of aware of the filmmakers’ intentions, she wittingly informed that she was, in fact, not interested in their offer. She explained:
“Then I decided, ‘Mujhe dinner hi nahi karna.’ [I don’t want to have dinner only].”
“Then I would tell the ones who approached me with that code word, ‘Main dinner nahi karti hoon, mera diet chal raha hai. Aap breakfast par bula lo, lunch par bula lo.’ [I don’t eat dinner, I am dieting. You can meet me for breakfast or lunch].
“And they would never ever revert to me,” she told Koimoi in an interview.
Despite recalling her casting couch days, Sherlyn went onto do many projects which she did not shy away from and was happy to take on bold roles.
Including Kamasutra 3D, a 2013 Indian English-language erotic drama film written and directed by Rupesh Paul, from which she was later withdrawn due to a disagreement with Paul.
Her social media posts portray a sexy and bold character who loves the camera and like to express her sensuality.
She has launched her own app which features adult-themed photos and videos for her huge fanbase.
In the past, Sherlyn Chopra has starred in Bollywood films such as Jawani Diwani: A Youthful Joyride (2006), Dil Bole Hadippa! (2009) and Red Swastik (2007), Game (2007) and Naughty Boy (2006).
Not only that. The actress also featured in season three of the popular show Bigg Boss and she also took on hosting duties during the sixth season of MTV Splitsvilla.
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