‘Actresses Equally Responsible For Prevalence Of Casting Couch In Odisha Film Industry’

Bhubaneswar: Days after casting couch allegations rattled Odia film industry, a newcomer, Rupashree Panda, on Tuesday claimed that she was dropped from a serial after signing the agreement when she refused to compromise to get that role.

“I was told a day before the shoot that they are not going ahead with me. Initially, I thought the project had been shelves but was later told that they did not agree to the price that I had quoted, which was actually nothing since I am a newcomer. A person from the production house later called and indirectly asked me to compromise,” she said.

Rupashree alleged that casting couch is prevalent in Ollywood and some actresses responsible are encouraging this practice by giving into the ‘indecent’ proposals. “It should be shut there and then. By giving into their demands and not complaining against the predators, they are encouraging them to make similar proposals to other aspiring actresses. Despite having talents, many girls are unable to make a mark in the industry because of this,” said this winner of a talent contest, Big Break Season 2.

The aspiring actresses said that she had once slapped a producer for misbehaving with her. “I was told that only ’10 minutes compromise will create a space for me in the industry and help me survive happily for next 10 years. They said that I will become famous and huge posters of mine will be put up at prime locations in Bhubaneswar. They try to trap newcomers by giving such false hope,” the actress said.

She further alleged that some film producers have also been trapped by actresses, which take their pictures and later blackmail them.

Rupshree said that she narrated her experience because she wanted to expose the actresses, who are now coming forward with such allegations having compromised for roles in the past. “I was earlier to scared speak about this because of the repercussions and societal pressure. But today, I have the support of my family. Those facing such problems should first lodge a complaint with police and then speak to media about it,” said the actress of upcoming film, ‘Misri’.

Notably, Rupshree, who has acted in several music vidoes and serials, had earlier defended producer Sanjay Nayak against whom actresses Prakruti Mishra and Jasmine Ratha had levelled casting couch allegations. She said that the producer clearly told the media that he had asked Jasmine to come to a reputed club in the city at around 8 pm. “The actresses claimed that she was asked to go there around 10 pm, which I still think she could have done with a family members since it is a decent place and we often shoot late into the night. She was replaced because they were in a hurry to make the movie, and it cannot be dubbed as casting couch,” she opined.