“I Was Asked To Sleep With A Producer”: Ankita Lokhande Opens Up About Horrific Casting Couch Incident
Shocking revelations have emerged from the popular actress and Bigg Boss 17 finalist Ankita Lokhande. The actress recounted a distressing encounter with a South film producer. In a recent interview, the actress bravely spoke out about an incident where she was propositioned to ‘sleep with’ the producer. Ankita mentioned that she was only 19 when the incident took place.
Casting Couch Ordeal Unveiled
Image: Ankita Lokhande
During a candid conversation with Hautterfly, Ankita recounted her experience with the casting couch. She shared that after auditioning for a South film, she received a call to sign for the project. Ankita felt overwhelmed with joy and informed her mother about the opportunity. However, she also had a sense of skepticism regarding the ease of her selection.
Ankita, without naming the individual involved, revealed the distressing details. When she went to sign the contract, they asked her to come alone and requested her coordinator to wait outside. At just 19 years old and still aspiring to become a heroine, she was told, ‘You have to compromise.
Taking a Stand Against Exploitation
Vicky Jain and Ankita Lokhande
Demonstrating resilience and sharp wit, Ankita stood her ground and challenged the unacceptable proposition. She recounted her response, stating, “I played smart and asked again, and was told, ‘You have to sleep with the producer.’ Refusing to succumb to such exploitation, I firmly stated, ‘I don’t believe your producer is looking for talent. He merely seeks a girl to sleep with, and I am not that person,’ before walking away.”
Ankita’s Journey to Stardom
Ankita Lokhande gained widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Archana in Ektaa Kapoor’s renowned television series Pavitra Rishta in 2009. The show garnered immense popularity and cemented Ankita’s status as a household name across India.
Transitioning to the Silver Screen
Following the success of Pavitra Rishta, Ankita ventured into Bollywood. She made her debut in the industry with a significant role in Kangana Ranaut’s Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi in 2019. Additionally, she featured prominently in Shraddha Kapoor and Tiger Shroff’s action-packed film Baaghi 3. Currently, Ankita is gearing up for her next venture, starring alongside Randeep Hooda in the highly anticipated film Veer Savarkar.
Ankita Lokhande’s courageous revelation sheds light on the pervasive issue of exploitation in the entertainment industry and underscores the importance of speaking out against such injustices.
