Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2’s Erica Fernandes on casting couch; says ‘There are WhatsApp groups where people discuss people they have ‘tried’’ Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2’s Erica Fernandes on casting couch; says ‘There are WhatsApp groups where people discuss people they have ‘tried’’
Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2 actress Erica Fernandes opened up about the casting couch, revealing disturbing WhatsApp groups where people discuss those they have “tried,” in a candid conversation with Shardul Pandit on his podcast. She also spoke about shifting to Dubai, self-realization, and how these experiences have shaped her personal and professional journey. Moving to Dubai
It’s been two years, I have moved to Dubai. Sometimes you are at a point in your career, where everything is right but you are not fulfilled. You don’t feel that satisfaction. I was feeling stagnant. I found myself wanting more. Taking a break from TV
I gave seven years of my life to television. When you are doing television, you have no life apart from being on set. There were breaks in between those shows and that time you spend to make up for the lost time with your family, friends or yourself. Self realization during pandemic
Covid gave a lot of time to many people to self reflect. A lot of time went into melting points, breakdown points, there was self realization. I found myself. I could meet eye-to-eye with me. I did modelling, commercials, TV, movies and so many things. I was like what else I can do. I feel my life is uncannily very much similar to Sonakshi from Kuch Rang… Industry ‘khokla’ hai
Being an actor in not enough. People thing the industry is very colourful and glam. I am sorry, bahut khokla hai ye industry. It looks shiny from outside, but you won’t have anybody in the inside. You will feel alone. There are many less people who are genuine. Being in the industry, I have realised, saamne insaan alag hota hai aur peeth peechhe alag. There have been times, when things were supposed to come my way were being diverted. Transforming herself
I have been hurt, I have been broken, I have rebuilt myself and I think I have transformed in the bestest way. Maturity comes with experience. My outlook towards life has changed, how I handle things are different. If I change anything in the past, is not going to make me who I am today. On casting couch
It really depends on person on how far you would go to achieve something. There are a lot of people who don’t care. If they want to achieve something, they don’t know the limits. They would cross all limits just to gain that. Your heart has to be at the right place. But if you know what you want and you want to do it in morally right way then go ahead. I would have reached that level had I wanted. The price to pay is always too much. It is the easiest route and it doesn’t stay for long. There are WhatsApp groups where people discuss people they have ‘tried’
From Erica Fernandes talking about ‘secret Whatsapp group’ to Divyanka Tripathi receiving inappropriate request; times when celebs spoke about casting couch
The casting couch remains an unfortunate reality in the entertainment industry, with several television celebrities speaking out about their disturbing encounters. From inappropriate demands to unsettling experiences, actors have shared how they were approached under the guise of auditions and career opportunities. While some managed to escape before falling prey, others were left emotionally scarred. Celebrities like Erica Fernandes, Divyanka Tripathi, and Ankit Gupta have openly discussed their ordeals, shedding light on the dark side of showbiz and the struggles many aspiring artists face. Erica Fernandes
Erica Fernandes exposed the shocking reality of secret WhatsApp groups where industry insiders allegedly discuss individuals they've ‘tried.’ She highlighted that success comes at a price and many cross ethical limits to achieve fame. Erica emphasized that one’s heart should be in the right place and taking shortcuts may not guarantee long-term success in the industry. Kashish Kapoor
Bigg Boss 18’s Kashish Kapoor recalled how a well-known casting director called her to a hotel under the pretense of a look test. Suspicious of his intentions, she questioned him about the location, only to discover that the so-called audition was to take place in his room. Kashish firmly refused, exposing the dark side of the casting process in the entertainment world. Baseer Ali
Baseer Ali, now seen in Kundali Bhagya, opened up about facing predators early in his career. He revealed that an industry insider once confessed having inappropriate intentions towards him, only to later change his stance. Baseer expressed his shock at how openly such advances were made, proving that the casting couch is not limited to women alone. Divyanka Tripathi
Divyanka Tripathi recalled an unsettling experience where she was pressured to associate with a director in exchange for a big break. She highlighted how such demands are often disguised as life-changing opportunities. Additionally, she shared how a jilted production assistant sought revenge by spreading false rumors about her after she refused his advances. Ratan Raajputh
Ratan Raajputh shared how she was drugged during an audition in 2008. She had unknowingly consumed a tampered soft drink but managed to leave before things escalated. Soon after, she began feeling dizzy and realized something was wrong. Thankfully, she made it home safely, escaping a potentially dangerous situation in the industry. Ankit Gupta
Udaariyaan’s Ankit Gupta described his casting couch ordeal as the worst experience of his life. He was left in shock when a casting agent blatantly asked for physical favors, even requesting to ‘just touch’ him. Ankit strongly refused and walked away, revealing the disturbing extent of exploitation in show business. Kishwer Merchant
Kishwer Merchant revealed how she was once asked to sleep with a hero for a project. The proposal was made during a meeting where her mother was also present. She immediately rejected the offer and walked away, emphasizing that while such incidents are not the norm, the entertainment industry is often unfairly labeled. Madalsa Sharma
Madalsa Sharma, Anupamaa’s Kavya, revealed that she faced inappropriate advances in the industry but chose to walk away rather than compromise. She highlighted that both men and women face exploitation, but she never let anyone cross her boundaries. Madalsa believes personal choice is crucial, and she always prioritizes her comfort and dignity.
03-11-2025, 06:27 PM
Erica Fernandes on casting couch
Latest News in Television & Digital OTT Forums
