Even though some celebs including Ranbir Kapoor are apathetic towards the rampant issue of casting couch in the industry, several well-known figures like Zareen Khan and Anushka Shetty have admitted that it does exist. And after Rajeev Khandelwal, popular actor Ayushmann Khurrana opened about the issue highlighting that it’s not just women who are the only victims of casting couch in Bollywood.
In a recent interview, ‘Bala’ actor recalled how in his initial days in the industry, he was about to become a victim of the casting couch.
He said, “A casting director had told me, ‘I’ll give you the lead role if you showed me your tool.’ I told him I’m straight and I politely refused his offer.” But being a household name was not easy for him. Ayushmann who made his film debut in 2012, with ‘Vicky Donor’ said that he has also faced rejections, reports Hindustan Times.
“Initially, there used to be auditions where they would take your solo test. Then suddenly, the number started increasing and there would be 50 people in the same room. When I protested, they asked me to leave. So I have faced rejections.”
However, the National Film Award winner has taken the criticism with a pinch of salt and has worked hard to reach where he is today. He says that now he’s well equipped to handle failure now.
“Also, I’m well equipped to handle failure now because of the failures I saw at the very beginning of my career. Had I never witnessed the lows, I don’t think I would be able to handle it if it came now.”
“Everything changes every Friday. I have just been lucky to have a few great Fridays in the last two-three years.”
Ayushmann has been my favourite ever since his debut. The multi-talented actor has impressed audiences, especially the younger generation ever since he started breaking the glass-ceiling with his impactful performances in movies like ‘Andhadhun’ and ‘Shubh Mangal Zyaada Saavdhan’. We wish to see more of you, soon.