Actor Indira Krishnan recently opened up in a candid interview about the painful and challenging experiences she faced due to the casting couch culture, particularly in the South Indian film industry. She shared how she had to let go of several significant film opportunities because she stood firm and refused to give in to inappropriate and unethical demands from people in power. Indira emphasized that the pressure to "compromise" for roles was not only real but also recurring, making it difficult for actors like her to find a safe and respectful working environment in some areas of the film industry. These unsettling experiences became so frequent that she eventually decided to distance herself from films and instead turn her focus toward the television industry, where she felt there was more dignity, professional respect, and genuine appreciation for her acting talent.
Speaking with Bollywood Bubble, Indira elaborated that the casting couch wasn’t limited to one industry alone, but that her personal experiences were more troubling in the South. She recounted a particularly heartbreaking moment when she had already been selected for a high-profile film project by a well-known filmmaker. However, at the last moment, things took a turn for the worse due to the filmmaker’s increasingly inappropriate body language and expectations. Trusting her instincts, she chose to walk away from the film despite the career opportunity it presented. She recalled saying to the filmmaker, “Sir, main apna talent bechne aayi hoon, apne aap ko nahi” — a firm declaration that she was there to offer her skills and not compromise her self-respect. Though her words might have sounded bold or harsh, Indira felt that it was essential to be absolutely clear to avoid future exploitation or misunderstandings.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t a one-off incident in her journey. Indira revealed that she lost many promising projects over the years for standing her ground. As these distressing patterns continued, she sought a space where she could work with dignity and found that in the world of television. While she acknowledged that television also has its flaws, she believed that it offered her better roles, safer workspaces, and more recognition based on talent rather than compliance with unethical norms.
Over the years, Indira Krishnan has built a successful career in both films and television. On the small screen, she has played leading roles in popular shows such as Krishnaben Khakhrawala, Krishnadasi, and Tum Aise Hi Rehna. In Bollywood, she appeared in notable films like Tere Naam, Holiday, and, most recently, Animal. She is also set to appear in the highly anticipated film Ramayana, alongside stars like Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash. Through her strength and resilience, Indira has not only survived but thrived, becoming an inspiring figure for many aspiring actors who wish to pursue their dreams with integrity.
