Ileana D’Cruz spills beans on why Bollywood never talks about sexual harassment in showbiz industry

Ileana D'Cruz gets candid about sexual harassment in the entertainment industry.

Bollywood actress Ileana D’Cruz who will be appearing in Ajay Devgn’s Raid believes that speaking against casting couch in the industry can ruin an artiste’s career. Talking to Bombay Times about casting couch and actors making a difference, she said, “The fact of the matter is that if an A-list star is accused of something like this, you will require a large number of people to come forward, including A-list actresses and actors, to make a difference... It will take many voices for people to acknowledge that huge stars could have such an ugly side," she told Bombay Times. Ileana D'Cruz, who is awaiting the release of Raid, said that actors "are worshipped" in India. "It might sound cowardly, but I do agree that if you speak out about the casting couch, it will end your career.”

The sexual harassment debate traversed all the way from Hollywood when a renowned filmmaker Harvey Weinstein was accused of sexual harassment and other offences by over 40 Hollywood actresses including Salma Hayek, Jennifer Anniston, Angelina Jolie among others. This shocking revelations has given rise to movements like Time’s Up ad Mee Too, which sought to help survivors who have been subjected to sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry.

In December last year, Fukrey Returns actress Richa Chadha spoke at lengths about casting couch experience in an interview with a leading daily. She also said that she would reveal the names of the perpetrators only if her safety and livelihood is ensured.

Also, many A-listed actors and filmmakers were blacklisted from Hollywood film industry, including Kevin Spacey. Talking about his shows, Ileana D’Cruz said, “I can't watch Kevin Spacey's show anymore, though I have loved it earlier because he has been accused of harassment. It disgusts me as a person.”

Ileana D’Cruz will be featuring opposite Ajay Devgn in Raid which is slated to release on March 16.