Surveen Chawla on the toxic environment of working in television; says ‘wahan gai bhains jaise treatment hoti hai'
Actress
Surveen Chawla
, known for her versatile work across television, films, and web series, recently opened up about the harsh realities of working in the Indian television industry during a candid conversation with Hauterrfly.
Reflecting on her early career, Surveen spoke honestly about the toxic environment, lack of respect, and dehumanizing treatment she experienced.
Surveen, who began her career with Balaji Telefilms' Kahiin Toh Hoga, recalled the overwhelming pressure she felt as a newcomer. 'I would shoot for Balaji for four days a week. Aisa lagta tha ke qayanat ka haath hai mere sir pe. I had no experience in this field. People would laugh at my accent,' she shared.
Describing the daily grind of TV shoots, she added, 'In television, it's like you're treated like cattle—gai bhains jaisi treatment hoti hai. It's a factory setup. There's a deadline, episodes need to be delivered. So who are you? You're just another body working. You're not at home, you're a product in the system.'
Surveen also shared a disturbing experience from her time on Kahiin Toh Hoga, involving a problematic director.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Tukarkan Bitcoin dan Ethereum - Tanpa Dompet Diperlukan!
IC Markets
MULAI SEKARANG
Undo
'A lot of women had issues working with him, but he remained a favorite of the production house. It felt like we were being sent to the slaughterhouse. As long as work was being done, nothing else mattered—there was no right or wrong.'
She also pointed out how even women in leadership roles often perpetuate the same toxic behavior. 'It's unfortunate but true. I may get flak for saying this about someone who gave me my break, but I don't appreciate it. Paying someone for their work doesn't mean you own them.'
Surveen's brave honesty sheds light on the darker corners of the television industry that often go unspoken.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Avantika Malik on why she'll never turn daughter Imara against ex-husband Imran Khan: ‘Trying to damage their relationship will hurt her'
Avantika Malik, Imran Khan's ex-wife, openly discussed the emotional challenges of their divorce and its impact on their daughter, Imara. She prioritized maintaining a loving bond between Imara and her father, learning from her own experiences to avoid repeating past mistakes. Avantika emphasized that shielding Imara from any negativity was crucial for her well-being. When relationships change, the biggest impact is often felt by the children caught in between. Avantika Malik, ex-wife of actor Imran Khan , recently opened up about navigating the emotional challenges of divorce while prioritizing the well-being of their daughter Imara. Despite their separation, Avantika is committed to preserving a loving bond between father and daughter — knowing that any attempt to come between them would only cause more pain. On Nayandeep Rakhsit's YouTube channel, Avantika spoke candidly about the emotional challenges she faced during her divorce and how it affected their young daughter, Imara. She shared that when they first explained the separation to Imara, the child's immediate fear was losing both parents. Fortunately, Avantika was able to reassure her by drawing on examples from her own family, helping Imara understand that her parents would always be there for her. Avantika acknowledged that it can be challenging for children to accept new people in their parents' lives, as they often have fixed ideas of what a family should look like. Though it took time for her daughter to come to terms with the changes, Imara eventually adjusted. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo Now, they even joke about Avantika dating again, with Imara playfully insisting that their small family of two is just perfect. Over time, she has grown to understand that her parents may have other partners, and has accepted this reality with maturity. When asked if her personal feelings for Imran ever affected her parenting or if she tried to distance their daughter Imara from him, Avantika firmly denied it. She credited her own difficult relationship with her father for giving her clarity. She was determined not to repeat the same mistakes and understood that harboring bitterness or resentment would only harm her child. Avantika wanted Imara to have a healthy, loving relationship with her father, knowing that any attempt to damage it would ultimately hurt their daughter the most. Imran Khan and Avantika Malik were married for eight years and have a daughter, Imara, born in 2014. The couple finalized their divorce in 2019. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
34 minutes ago
- Time of India
TN Govt allows early morning release for Haasan's movie 'Thug Life' amid language row
The Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday granted permission to the makers of 'Thug Life', the much-anticipated film by veteran film-maker Mani Ratnam and superstar Kamal Haasan , to hold special early morning screenings on the day of its release - Thursday, June 5. The decision was made following a formal request submitted by Raaj Kamal Films International, Kamal Haasan's production house backing the movie. According to the government's order, the film will be allowed to have five shows on the day of release, with the first show beginning at 9 a.m. on Thursday and the last one concluding by 2 a.m. on Friday. Special screenings outside the standard time slots are typically granted to big-budget or high-profile films in Tamil Nadu , particularly when led by popular stars or renowned film-makers. The announcement, however, comes at a time when 'Thug Life' is facing controversy over a statement made by Kamal Haasan during the film's audio launch. The actor-politician claimed that "Kannada is born out of Tamil," a remark that sparked strong reactions in Karnataka . The Karnataka High Court recently suggested that Kamal issue an apology, but the star has refused to do so. However, the superstar wrote a letter to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday stating that the row over his remarks on origins of Kannada language is a result of a misunderstanding. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Council or Housing Association Tenant? Check Eligibility for Compensation National Disrepair Claims Undo In his letter, Kamal Haasan also maintained that he is against the dominance of one language over another. As a result of the actor's refusal to issue an outright apology, the film's release in Karnataka has been postponed indefinitely. Kamal Haasan Faces Ban in Karnataka Over Kannada Language Row, Minister Demands Apology | Thug Life Despite the controversy, 'Thug Life' is one of the most anticipated Tamil films of the year. The project marks the reunion of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam after nearly four decades, following their legendary 1987 collaboration 'Nayakan', considered a milestone in Indian cinema. The gangster drama features a star-studded cast, including Silambarasan T.R. in a key role, alongside Trisha, Nasser, Joju George, Abhirami, Ashok Selvan, Aishwarya Lekshmi , Sanya Malhotra, and Ali Fazal. The music for the film has been composed by Academy Award-winner A.R. Rahman, further adding to the excitement around the release. 'Thug Life' is a joint production of Raaj Kamal Films International and Mani Ratnam's Madras Talkies, and will be distributed by Red Giant Movies. With high expectations from fans and film critics alike, the movie's performance at the box office - particularly in Tamil Nadu - will be closely watched as it hits the screens tomorrow. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
34 minutes ago
- Time of India
Not $1.2 billion — LeBron James' post-retirement priorities will melt every NBA fan's heart
LeBron James. Tim Nwachukwu/ Getty Images LeBron James might be a billionaire athlete with a resume full of basketball accolades, but when it comes to his future, his biggest investment is far from his businesses or money. The Los Angeles Lakers legend has explicitly shared that he prioritizes his family over anything. While the four-time NBA champion and all-time leading scorer could easily chase billion-dollar ventures after retirement, he's made it abundantly clear that his heart lies closer to home. For James, the post-retirement chapter won't be defined by corporate power moves; rather, he will chase moments with the people who helped him chase greatness. LeBron James is grateful for having a wonderful wife and kids LeBron James does not miss a chance to credit his family for being the backbone of his success. And now, as the curtain slowly begins to draw on his legendary career, the Lakers superstar is already shifting his priorities. He opened up about his post-retirement plans during an episode of his Mind the Game podcast, he shared a heartfelt moment that offered fans a rare glimpse behind the curtain. LeBron James, Bryce James, Zhuri James, Savannah James, and Bronny James. Image via: Kevin Mazur/ Getty Images 'I have the luxury of having [an] unbelievable wife and help around the household to where they allow me to be able to use all my time while I'm playing the game,' LeBron shared, showering praise for Savannah James. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Что о вас может рассказать поза во время сна? Удивительные Новости Undo 'When I'm done playing the game, that time—priority number one—will be my wife. It would be my wife, my kids.' For years, James' grueling NBA schedule demanded singular focus, body maintenance, training, recovery, and endless travel. But he never lost sight of what mattered most. 'I just thank them for allowing me to have me as priority number one while I've had this profession,' he said gratefully. 'And I know it's not always they've allowed me to make myself priority number only right I give that back when I'm done. ' James, the husband and father, is ready to pour back into the people who poured astonishing support for his career spanning over two decades. Despite having a net worth that exceeds $1.2 billion, according to Forbes, it's not the riches that excite him most, it's reconnecting with what he calls the 'process' of life. 'It's been amazing. I've the right woman,' James said about Savannah. 'The kids have come along, and they' the fact of what I wanted to accomplish, and I've tried to just pour into them when I have the the things that I can as a father.' James has achieved astounding NBA accolades throughout his career alongside enormous fortune, but for him, his family means more than anything. 'I've always wanted to be as great as I could be,' he added. 'I didn't know what the end result I knew my passion for wanting to be great.' In his next chapter, one where being a full-time husband and father will be the ultimate reward. As LeBron puts it, 'My reward was the process.' Also Read: LeBron James just revealed a childhood secret that explains everything about his rise to NBA greatness Certainly, James does not have to work in any other venture after his retirement, as he has already created a stunning fortune.
