Actor and filmmaker Renuka Shahane has opened up about facing a casting-couch situation early in her career. Speaking in an interview, Shahane recalled how a married producer once approached her with an offer that had nothing to do with work. Instead of offering her a film role or a professional opportunity, the producer allegedly asked her to “live with him,” promising to provide a “monthly stipend” in return.
Shahane said the incident happened when she was just beginning to work in the entertainment industry and had not yet gained the recognition she later achieved through shows like Surabhi and films such as Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!. She remembered being taken aback by the casualness with which the proposition was made, as though such arrangements were normal and expected.
The incident and reaction
According to Shahane, the producer did not frame the conversation around a casting decision or a role. Instead, he directly asked her to shift in with him. She recalled him saying that he would take care of her expenses and pay her monthly. The assumption that she would accept such an arrangement, Shahane said, was something that left her “aghast”.
She shared that she and her mother, who was present at the time, reacted strongly and left the meeting immediately. The shock came not just from the proposal itself, but from how lightly it was presented—as if it were a standard industry offer.
Shahane said the moment stayed with her as a defining example of how the casting couch culture in the industry does not always come disguised as an exchange for roles. Sometimes, it appears more casually, wrapped in entitlement and power.
Broader context and the culture of silence
The actor pointed out that such incidents were not isolated. At the time, conversations around sexual exploitation and inappropriate propositions in the entertainment industry were rarely brought into the open. Many aspiring actors and models were told to “adjust” or stay silent to avoid damaging their careers.
Shahane, however, credited her upbringing and support system for allowing her to immediately reject the offer without second thoughts. She also acknowledged that not everyone in the industry has that privilege, and many feel pressured to tolerate such behaviour for the sake of survival.
Calling out old norms today
Looking back, Shahane said the incident is a reminder of how power dynamics worked in the industry—and how some of that still persists. However, she noted that conversations around mental health, consent and workplace ethics have strengthened in recent years, especially after several actors began speaking out against harassment and exploitation.
While casting couch incidents continue to be reported, Shahane believes greater transparency, social media awareness and public dialogue have made it harder for such practices to remain hidden.
Conclusion
Shahane’s account highlights how inappropriate propositions in the industry are often framed as personal arrangements rather than professional misconduct. Her story adds to the ongoing conversation about boundaries, consent, and power misuse in the entertainment world, especially for those navigating early careers with limited agency.