Fatima Sana Shaikh Clears the Air on Casting Couch Remarks

Fatima Sana Shaikh didn’t hold back while setting the record straight. Recent reports had twisted her words, making it seem like she criticized the entire South Indian film industry. She clarified that she only spoke about personal experiences, not the industry as a whole. “What I said was about my own encounters. It’s unfair to paint the whole industry with the same brush,” she said. Fatima pointed out that such behavior exists in many fields, not just cinema.

Before Dangal brought her fame, Fatima appeared in the Telugu film Nuvvu Nenu Okkatavudam in 2015. Recalling her time then, she spoke about a casting agent who made repeated and uncomfortable suggestions. “He kept asking if I’d do anything for a role,” she shared. At first, she didn’t catch the implication. But when he wouldn’t stop, the message became clear. She also mentioned that in Hyderabad, some producers were very open about what they expected from actresses. Her words weren’t meant as a sweeping claim, but a reflection of her own past.

With stars like Deepika Padukone joining major Telugu projects, the industry is evolving fast. Fatima’s experience, though years old, is a reminder that change isn’t just about star power or pan-India reach—it’s also about how people are treated behind the scenes.