Aditi Shetty: I have been fortunate to have not faced casting couch

Priyanka Chopra Jonas opening up about being bullied in Bollywood pushed in the corner and not getting work opened up a can of worms. The star’s revelation started many conversations and raised questions as well as concerns around the much-loved Hindi film industry. Among the topics it opened up is casting couch as well. Actor Aditi Shetty, who is currently a part of two ongoing shows, Bhagya Lakshmi and Pyaar Ke Saat Vachan Dharampatni, talks about it.

“I have been fortunate to have not faced a casting couch. With the #metoo movement coming to the fore, so many women spoke up about it, and it’s really sad to know that people have been through such tough situations,” she says.

Aditi has been both a model and an actor.  When asked if she was ever propositioned and how she handled it, the actor adds, “I have had experiences that taught me how to be patient, accept rejections with a pinch of salt and do even better next time. If you love what you do, you will always find the right path to pursue it. I believed in myself, and that kept me going at every step of my career.”

A lot of people fall prey to the casting couch scenario because of less opportunities and more competition. “It’s so saddening to know that people misuse their position. I really hope that people are strong enough to say ‘no’ to such things and believe in their art to get opportunities,” she says.

Struggle in the entertainment industry is never-ending. Waiting for the right opportunities often affects a person on an emotional level. “It’s very important to be strong mentally. For me, a very big part of my everyday routine is to follow rituals that keep my mental health in check,” she shares.