EXPLORING THE DARK SIDE OF FAME: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE CASTING COUCH CULTURE IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

Abstract [English]

The Casting Couch issue has long been a controversial and widespread problem in the Indian Entertainment Industry. The Casting Couch is when someone asks for sexual favors in exchange for career opportunities, especially at the time of audition and during casting process. This practice has been a dark underbelly within the industry, with aspiring actors facing exploitation in desperation for opportunities. The Casting Couch issue has remained a challenge in the industry despite occasional revelations or scandals, which have shown the need for stringent measures to balance or stop these exploitation incidents, and the cultural stigma and fear of repercussions associated with such incidents have contributed to keeping this issue on the left.
On comparison, the Casting Couch issue is not specific to the Indian entertainment industry alone, it is a social concern that affects various film and television industries worldwide. Casting Couch incidents have been reported in Bollywood, Hollywood, and other international regional film industries. Further similarities in these cases highlight broader systemic issues that transcend geographic boundaries. In these cases, less legal action has been taken against the perpetrators. Comparison with other countries highlights the need for collective industry-wide commitment to promote a culture that condemns exploitation practices and creates a safer environment.