Chiranjeevi DENIES 'Casting Couch Culture' In Tollywood: Personal Choices Also...

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Chiranjeevi has weighed in on the long-debated issue of the casting couch while speaking at the Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu event held in Hyderabad on January 25. The veteran actor talked about his perspective on the working environment of the Telugu film industry. Known for his decades-long career and influence in Tollywood, Chiranjeevi asserted that the film industry remains a largely positive space for aspiring talent. His comments come as some actresses still talk about the bitter experiences they have faced in the film industry.

Chiranjeevi denies casting couch culture

During his address, Chiranjeevi maintained that cinema, like any other profession, reflects the values and conduct of the individuals within it. He stressed that the Telugu film industry provides ample opportunities for those who are committed and focused on their craft, and should not be broadly painted with a negative brush based on isolated experiences.

Elaborating on the issue, the actor suggested that uncomfortable situations can arise in any field, and personal boundaries and professional clarity play an important role. The actor claimed, "There is no casting couch culture as such, it depends on the individual." According to him, when artistes remain strict about their work ethics and are serious about their careers, it becomes difficult for anyone to exploit them. He also indicated that branding the industry as one that systematically promotes casting couch practices would be unfair, adding that such situations depend more on individual interactions rather than an ingrained culture. In his words, "The industry is like a mirror it reflects who you are.”

Is casting couch really a personal problem?

Chiranjeevi’s comments, however, arrive amid contrasting accounts shared by actors in recent times. Actress Saiyami Kher previously revealed in a chat with Bollywood Bubble that she faced an uncomfortable situation early in her career 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 handled the situation with maturity and confidence, choosing not to be intimidated by the experience.

Similarly, Fatima Sana Shaikh, recently opened up about an unsettling interaction during the casting process for a southern project. Speaking to Bollywood Bubble in a separate chat, the actor recalled receiving a call from a casting agent whose repeated and suggestive remarks made her uneasy. Fatima shared that she deliberately responded innocently to gauge how far the conversation would go, showing how such encounters can leave a lasting impact on actors, especially those new to the industry.While Chiranjeevi’s statements show his belief in personal agency and professional discipline as a veteran of decades, the differing experiences shared by actresses clearly show that the conversation around casting practices is complex and should be done sensitively.