Chiranjeevi Denies Casting Couch Culture In Tollywood, Calls Industry A Positive Space

For years, the casting couch debate has hovered over the film industry, sparking uncomfortable conversations and strong opinions. Now, megastar Chiranjeevi has stepped into the discussion, offering his perspective on Tollywood’s work culture and firmly pushing back against the idea of a systemic problem.

Speaking at the Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu event in Hyderabad on January 25, the veteran actor described the Telugu film industry as a largely positive and professional space. Drawing from his decades-long career, Chiranjeevi said Tollywood continues to offer genuine opportunities for those who are focused and committed to their craft.

Addressing the long-standing allegations around casting practices, the actor stressed that cinema, like any

profession, is shaped by individual behaviour rather than an ingrained culture. “There is no casting couch culture as such, it depends on the individual,” he said during his address.

Chiranjeevi went on to explain that uncomfortable situations can arise in any field, but personal boundaries and clarity about one’s career goals play a crucial role. According to him, artists who remain firm about their ethics and professional intent are less likely to be exploited. He also cautioned against painting the entire industry with the same brush, stating, “The industry is like a mirror it reflects who you are.”

The actor’s comments come at a time when several performers have publicly shared difficult experiences from their early years in cinema. Actress Saiyami Kher had earlier revealed to Bollywood Bubble that she faced an uncomfortable situation when a female casting agent allegedly asked her to “compromise” for work in the Telugu film industry. Saiyami, who was around 19 or 20 at the time, said she chose to handle the moment with confidence and refused to be intimidated.

Similarly, Fatima Sana Shaikh recently spoke about an unsettling casting call she received for a southern project. In a separate interaction with Bollywood Bubble, she recalled a phone conversation with a casting agent whose repeated and suggestive remarks made her uncomfortable. Fatima shared that she responded innocently to observe how the conversation unfolded, highlighting how such experiences can deeply affect actors, especially newcomers.