Surveen Chawla recalls traumatic harassment as a child; claims casting couch goes unreported in film industry because of fear
Actress Surveen Chawla, known for her powerful roles on screen, recently opened up about some deeply disturbing personal experiences that left a lasting impact on her.
In a candid chat, Surveen recalled a terrifying incident from her school days when a man flashed her.
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'It was much earlier, I was in my 9th standard. I was at home and stepped outside to play in the evening.
I still remember — there was this dark-looking Sardar in a turban riding a cycle. He called me towards him, and as I started walking over, I saw him sticking something out of his pant. Then he started m*** while on the bike...' she said while speaking to Hauterrfly's The Male Feminist.
Criminal Justice - A Family Matters Trailer: Pankaj Tripathi, Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub and Surveen Chawla Starrer Criminal Justice - A Family Matters Official Trailer
She continued, 'I just took a U-turn and ran away, thinking something scary is going on.'
This shocking incident reflects how young girls often face predatory behaviour even in the most everyday environments, leaving them scared and confused at an early age.
Years later, as an established actress, Surveen wasn't spared from harassment within the industry. , she said, 'I must have experienced the casting couch multiple times. Let me tell you one tale about Mumbai's Veera Desai Road. After a meeting inside his office cabin, this director came to see me off at the gate.
And mind you, this was after I got married — we even discussed my husband during the meeting. As I was saying goodbye at the door, he leaned in trying to kiss me.
I had to push him back. I was startled and asked him what he was doing, and I just walked off.'
Surveen also pointed out how multiple cases of casting couch and unprofessional behaviour in the industry often go unnoticed or unreported because of fear and intimidation. She highlighted how deeply troubling it is that such exploitation has been normalised as a 'means to get work,' pushing many to stay silent even when they're mistreated by reputed names.
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