Even men are victims of casting couch today: Tisca Chopra

Jan 16, 2015 NR

Actress Tisca Chopra, who faced a casting couch-like situation in her career, said on Friday that both men and women get "accosted" in Bollywood and there are ways to avoid it.

"It's a question of supply and demand. The supply of actors is far greater than their demand and so the directors and producers demand something extra for giving chances to aspirants," said Tisca during a discussion at the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival.

The "Taare Zameen Par" actress has authored the book "Acting Smart", which is about making a career in Bollywood.

The book feeds on experiences that Chopra had as she stepped in to the film industry from a family of educationists.

Commenting on the casting couch issue, Chopra said: "I have never heard of anybody raping anyone. Much to my relief there is an equal number of gay directors, so now it's an even playing field. Guys get accosted as much as women do and it's your choice to say yes or no."

Recalling an incident where she "called the bluff" of a filmmaker who had such intentions, Chopra said she "devised a cunning plan and managed to escape from the situation".

"You call their bluff and say I am better than this, 'I can do this on my own merit'.

"So what I am saying is, there are ways to avoid it and while you are doing it you can have some fun. Nobody is going to spend crores for what is available for a few thousand rupees is my contention.

"If you feel that you are not good enough and you need to throw in a few mirchi and dhania (spices)... then it's your call," she said.