Shama Sikander on her experiences with casting couch: Some were well-established names in the industry

The film and television industry is not without its vices, and the problem of casting couch is something which has plagued many. Shama Siaknder recently opened up about her experience with casting couch, which the actress said is not limited to Bollywood.

In conversation with Bollywood Life, Shama recounted how, in the past, producers would express their wish to be friends with her even if they did not work together. She said that asking for sex in return for work was the ‘lowest of low’, and called people who did it ‘terribly insecure’ human beings. “Some of these producers and makers were well-established names in the industry. It shows that you do not have an iota of confidence that you can win over a woman's heart in an organic manner”, she added.

The actress also revealed that casting couch was not limited to Bollywood either. She feels that it was unfair to put the entire blame for it on Bollywood just because the industry was in the limelight, saying that she met some of the nicest people there. Shama said that evil existed in every person, which made them think that it was okay to ‘degrade’ other people in this way. Addressing the ‘devil’ that lived in one’s mind was the only way to find a solution to the problem.

Despite her experiences, Shama feels that the situation has improved a lot in the present. The actress said that the industry had changed for the better, and younger producers were far more professional and respectful these days.

The actress also spoke of how she was focussing more on self love and healing these days. Referring to healing as a continuous process, she said that it took discipline to prioritize oneself. Shama added that even if some people might view it as selfishness, it was necessary so that one could be in good enough shape to take care of others.