Fatima Sana Shaikh clarifies Casting Couch comments against Tollywood Anamika Gottipati, June 14, 2025June 14, 2025 Bollywood actress Fatima Sana Shaikh, renowned for her role as Geeta Phogat in Dangal, has issued a clarification regarding her earlier remarks about experiencing the casting couch in the South Indian film industry. Casting couch experience in Hyderabad The actress faced backlash after comments from an older interview resurfaced, where she recounted unsettling encounters with a casting agent and producers in Hyderabad. On June 13, 2025, Fatima addressed the controversy, emphasizing that her experience was an isolated incident and not reflective of the entire South Indian film industry. In the original interview with Bollywood Bubble, Fatima shared her discomfort during an audition process for a South Indian film, where a casting agent repeatedly asked if she was “ready to do everything” for a role. 📖 Must Read: Saiyami Kher says she faced casting couch experience in Telugu Cinema She recalled, “I told him I would work hard and do what was required for the role, but he kept repeating the question, and I played dumb to see how low he could get.” She also described interactions with small-time producers in Hyderabad who implied she needed to “meet people” to secure roles, hinting at inappropriate expectations. These revelations sparked widespread discussion online, with some social media users praising her courage while others criticized her for generalizing the South Indian film industries, which include distinct Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam sectors. Fatima’s clarification Addressing the backlash, Fatima clarified her stance in a statemen: “I want to clear the air. I never meant to say the entire South film industry is like that. It was just one particular incident.” She expressed regret that her words were misconstrued as a blanket criticism of the industry, emphasizing that such practices are not unique to South cinema but exist across various fields, including Bollywood and modeling. The actress also highlighted the broader issue of exploitation in the industry, noting that unethical practices, such as casting directors demanding a cut of earnings under the guise of “references,” are not uncommon. She was quick to add that reputable casting directors like Mukesh Chhabra and Anmol Ahuja do not engage in such behavior, distinguishing between industry professionals and “shady individuals” who prey on newcomers. Fatima’s candid revelations and subsequent clarification have reignited conversations about the casting couch and the need for safer working environments in the film industry.