Television actor Chahatt Khanna, widely known for her roles in hit shows like 'Bade Achhe Lagte Hain' and 'Qubool Hai', recently spoke about the darker side of the entertainment world, particularly the persistence of “compromise” demands in the industry.
Chahatt on casting couch
Speaking to Hauterrfly, the actor reflected on how such expectations continue to linger—especially in the South Indian film circuit. Though she clarified she hasn't personally faced the casting couch, Chahatt did speak candidly about questionable practices and murky clauses in film contracts.
"Uss time par hota tha naa—‘Amaa, compromise, everywhere this happens in South.’ The South Indian industry is very open about it, but they are also respectful of women. The same thing is here also (Bollywood). It's just that they are not open about it; they don't write in contracts ((Back then, there used to be talk of 'compromise', you know—this still happens everywhere, especially in the South. The South Indian industry is very open about it, but they’re also respectful towards women. The same thing happens here in Bollywood too. The only difference is, it’s not openly discussed—they don’t put it in writing)," she said.
She went on to add, "Main toh aise logon se mili hun jo contract mein likhwate hain compromise. (I’ve met people who actually include 'compromise' clauses in contracts). That you have to compromise with the director, producer, actor, and everybody except spot dada. I have heard such stories, but no one has ever pounced on me."
About Chahatt Khanna
Chahatt Khanna began her television career with 'Hero – Bhakti Hi Shakti Hai' and later appeared in popular shows like 'Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan' and 'Kaajjal'. However, it was her portrayal of Ayesha Sharma Kapoor in Bade Achhe Lagte Hain and Nida in 'Qubool Hai' that earned her widespread recognition.
Her film credits include Akshay Kumar’s 'Thank You', '7½ Phere: More Than a Wedding' alongside Irrfan Khan and Juhi Chawla, Sanjay Dutt’s political drama 'Prassthanam', and 'Yaatris' directed by Haarish Vyas.
