When Suchitra Pillai Was Asked To `Compromise` To Work With A Big Actor, Recalls Horrible Experience

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MAY 16,2024

One of the most incredible actresses in Indian cinema, Suchitra Pillai, has time and again delivered some exceptional performances. She rose to fame with her cameo in Dil Chahta Hai. Over the years, she has done some amazing work in Bollywood, television, and OTT.

For the uninitiated, she played Saif Ali Khan's toxic girlfriend in Dil Chahta Hai and went on to become a household name. Suchitra Pillai has also been a prominent face in some television serials like Arranged Love, Beintehaan, and more.

In a recent interview, the actress recalled a horrifying experience of casting couch as she recalled being asked to sleep with a producer.

Suchitra Pillai shares her casting couch story

While numerous actors have come forward and agreed that the concept of casting couches dominates the entertainment industry, the Hip Hip Hurray actress bravely shared her harrowing tale of casting couch that left everyone shocked.

Suchitra recounted the incident when she was approached to do a South Indian film, which came with terms and conditions. She would only get the part if she made a 'compromise' with the producer.


In a candid chat with Siddharth Kannan, the actress opened up and said, 'There are choices that you make. Sometimes opportunities come, but with somethingmdashcasting couch and all of that. Everybody, at some point, faces it. I have an intimidating look, so I haven't really faced that."

"While joking, people have said that I don't do anything, but they have said it, which means that they have seen it on my face that you can't screw with me. I have received one-two calls from the South Indian film industry,' she added.

Suchitra Pillai's South Indian horror

Recalling an incident, Suchitra Pillai continued, 'One call came years ago. He said, 'You want to do South films?' I said, 'I have already done a couple, but yes.' He said, 'There is one very good film, starring a very good actor, and the director is also very big.' He told me that I had to play the actor's sister and that it's a big role. I was like, 'That's great.'"

Also Read: Sonali Bendre Opens Up About Being Body-Shamed by Producers in the 90s

"He then said that a first-time producer is bankrolling the project. I thought he was asking for a for a discount on my fees, but he said, 'It's a first-time producer, so little compromise is needed," she added.


"I said, 'Sorry.' He reiterated, 'Madam, he is a first-time producer little compromise is needed.' I told him, Do you even know who you are talking to? I have been in the industry for so many years, but he said, 'The director-actor thing is established, but because the producer is new, that's why it's only required once.' I told him you got the wrong person and the wrong number,' she concluded.

Suchitra Pillai also mentioned that while many comply with these requests, it wasn't her path to take. She is content with the projects offered and the characters that continue to resonate with her.

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