Casting couch, alcohol and sexual exploitation in the film industry

Gehna Vasisth Opens Up About Harassment In Bollywood

Actress Gehna Vasisth, known for her role in B-movies and her involvement in the Raj Kundra pornography case, has once again made shocking allegations against members of the film industry. In a recent interview with Dainik Bhaskarshe revealed disturbing incidents of harassment, exploitation and even rape that she had faced during her career. Gehna shared heartbreaking details of how she was exploited in the guise of employment and exposed the dark side of the casting couch in Bollywood.

Fooled and exploited by a fake director

Gehna Vasisth recounted an incident that happened early in her career when she was duped by a man posing as a director at Balaji Telefilms. She explained how the man invited her to his house on the pretext of having an audition. Once there, he offered her alcohol, and when she got drunk, he sexually abused her. According to Gehna, the exploitation did not stop there as several other individuals in the industry also took advantage of her and demanded sexual favours in exchange for work.

Switching to B-movies to survive

Gehna Vasisth, despite her talent, could not break into mainstream Bollywood and hence took the difficult decision to work in B-movies. She shared that after struggling to find roles in mainstream films, she turned to smaller projects to support herself. Despite this, she continued to face challenges in the industry, with exploitation becoming a regular experience for her. Gehna further explained how discussions about harassment have become more common in the past few years, thanks to the Hema Commission report and the increasing conversations about exploitation in the workplace since 2018.

A meeting with a powerful producer

In another disturbing revelation, Gehna shared a horrifying story of her encounter with a powerful producer in the industry. After being introduced to a man who promised her roles in big films, including a Salman Khan film, Gehna was trapped in a terrifying situation. The producer tried to force himself on her, pushed her into a room and tore her clothes. Luckily, she managed to escape after screaming for help, thus putting the terrifying encounter behind her.

Drugged and raped by a director

Gehna also recalled meeting a man named Praveen Johan, who claimed to be a director with Balaji Telefilms. He invited her to his house, where he told her that she had to be “open” if she wanted to work in films. He then pressured her to drink alcohol, convincing her that it was part of a scene she had to perform. Once she was drunk, Praveen took advantage of the situation and raped her. Gehna managed to escape, but fell into a pit outside the house, where she was rescued and taken to the hospital. She remained in the hospital for a week to recover from the trauma.

Casting Couch: A Grim Reality in Bollywood

During the interview, Gehna revealed multiple instances where she faced harassment and exploitation under the pretext of work. She recounted how producers and directors often asked her for sexual favours, promising roles in exchange for ‘friendship’ or physical intimacy. In one instance, Gehna was advised to meet director Sai Kabir. When she reached his house, she saw bottles of liquor strewn on the table. Kabir sat next to her, caressed her waist and promised her a lead role in a film if she agreed to his terms. Gehna used her wits and excused herself by pretending that she had forgotten her keys and quickly left the house.

Unwanted advances from another producer

Gehna also accused a well-known music company owner of trying to exploit her. The man initially promised her work, but later revealed his true intentions and told her to go to his room if she wanted to get a role. Sensing the situation, Gehna immediately severed ties with the individual, ending any possible collaboration.

Speaking to create awareness

Gehna’s interview serves as a stark reminder of the darker side of the film industry, where vulnerable actors, particularly women, are often targeted by those in power. Hers is a story of resilience and courage as she continues to speak out against exploitation, despite the personal and professional risks. The actress hopes that by sharing her experiences, she can encourage others to come forward and break the silence surrounding harassment and abuse in the industry.

Her revelations shed light on the ongoing problems within Bollywood and highlight the need for stricter measures to protect artistes from exploitation.