In a decade-old interview with NDTV that has resurfaced amid the massive success of his latest film, Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh opened up about facing the harsh realities of the casting couch during his struggling days in Mumbai, long before his breakthrough debut in Band Baaja Baaraat (2010).
Ranveer, who worked as an assistant director and faced years of uncertainty before landing a Yash Raj Films project, described the incident as a “first-hand” confirmation that the casting couch is “very real” in the Hindi film industry.
The Disturbing Encounter
According to Ranveer, a casting agent — whom he referred to as a “sleazy gentleman” — called him to his residence in Andheri (Mumbai’s northern suburbs) around 8 PM. Eager to make a good impression, the young aspiring actor had carefully prepared an impressive portfolio.
However, the man showed zero interest in Ranveer’s work. He set the portfolio aside without even glancing at it and bluntly told him what was required to succeed:
“You have to be smart. You have to be sexy. Whoever is smart and sexy, they move ahead. I can send you to a lot of offices — you will see me everywhere.”
He then propositioned Ranveer with offers of opportunities in exchange for sexual favours, using phrases like “take, touch.”
When Ranveer reacted with shock and refused, the casting agent tried to negotiate:
“Okay, we won’t do anything — just let me touch it.”
He further downscaled his demand: “Okay, I will only see it.”
Ranveer firmly declined and left the meeting. He later learned from other struggling actors that this individual had reportedly approached many others in a similar manner. Describing the agent’s reaction to his refusal, Ranveer said the man appeared “heartbroken, like a jilted lover.”
Struggles Before Stardom
Ranveer has spoken about enduring a tough 3–3.5 year grinding phase in Mumbai, during which he faced multiple uncomfortable situations while trying to break into the industry as an outsider without strong connections. He has reiterated in various interviews (including one from 2015 and later reflections in 2022) that such experiences were eye-openers but did not deter him.
Instead, they made him value the opportunities that eventually came his way through talent, persistence, and hard work.
Not Just Women: Male Actors Speak Out
While discussions around the casting couch in Bollywood often centre on female aspirants, Ranveer’s account — along with similar revelations by actors like Ayushmann Khurrana — highlights that men too have faced inappropriate advances from gatekeepers exploiting the desperation of newcomers.
Ranveer has chosen not to name the individual publicly, framing the episode as part of the broader power imbalances that exist in the entertainment industry.
From Struggle to Superstardom
The resurfacing of this story coincides with the phenomenal box office run of Dhurandhar 2 (also referred to as Dhurandhar: The Revenge), directed by Aditya Dhar. The Ranveer Singh starrer has reportedly crossed ₹1000 crore worldwide in record time, cementing his status as one of Bollywood’s biggest draws.
The contrast between his pre-stardom vulnerabilities and current success underscores a common narrative in the industry: many stars endure significant hardships before achieving recognition.
Ranveer’s candidness about these experiences continues to spark conversations about ethics, consent, and the need for safer pathways for aspiring talent in Indian cinema.
This account serves as a reminder that behind the glamour of stardom often lie untold stories of resilience against exploitation.
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