Megastar Chiranjeevi Puts Casting Couch Blame on Victims
Recent comments by veteran actor and megastar Chiranjeevi on the casting couch in the Telugu film industry have drawn sharp criticism, with many accusing him of shifting blame onto those who have spoken out about exploitation rather than acknowledging systemic problems. His remarks have sparked debate about how power and privilege operate in cinema.
Speaking publicly on the issue, Chiranjeevi said, “Film industry is a good place to work. If someone has a bitter experience, I believe personal choices also play a role.” He went on to claim that, “When you are strict and sincere about your profession, no one can take advantage of you,” and insisted that “there is no casting couch culture as such, it depends on the individual.” He added, “The industry is like a mirror — it reflects who you are.”
For many observers, these comments were cause for concern. By framing exploitation in terms of personal choices and individual discipline, critics argue that Chiranjeevi effectively places responsibility on those who have shared their experiences of harassment, rather than on the system that enabled that harassment in the first place.
Casting couch allegations have long been part of conversations about film industries around the world. From reports in Hollywood to regional cinema in India, many performers have spoken about pressure, coercion and the fear of professional retaliation. Yet Chiranjeevi’s comments appeared to minimise these accounts by suggesting that victims simply lacked professionalism or resolve.
The backlash has been particularly strong given that megastar Chiranjeevi himself entered the film world without any family cinema background. Many expected his perspective to be more empathetic toward the struggles of outsiders. Instead, critics say his remarks may discourage others from speaking up, reinforcing a culture of silence rather than one of accountability.
Supporters of reform argue that addressing casting couch issues requires listening to those who have suffered, understanding structural power imbalances, and creating safe channels for reporting wrongdoing. Simply stating that exploitation depends on individual behaviour does not confront the entrenched hierarchies that have enabled abuse to persist.
As discussions continue, many voices within the industry and among fans are calling for greater awareness and a more nuanced, compassionate dialogue, one that recognises both the realities of power and the courage it takes to challenge it.
