Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin’s Vihan Verma On Casting Couch Experience: ‘I Was Only 17 And…’ | Exclusive
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Vihan Verma was only 17 years old when he was asked to ‘compromise’ to receive a role.
Vihan Verma was also seen in Crime Petrol when he was younger.
With the findings of the Hema Committee Report unearthing the terrible conditions in the Malayalam film industry, its shockwaves were also felt in Bollywood and the Hindi television industry. Now, Vihan Verma, who became a household name with the show Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin, has opened up about his casting couch experience. The actor was only 17 years old when he was asked to ‘compromise’ to receive a role.
Vihan told News18, “I encountered this unfortunate experience early in my acting career. During an audition, a suspicious individual made inappropriate advances, asking if I would compromise my values in exchange for a role. I was only 17 and terrified. I politely declined and promptly left his office.”
“Initially, I was traumatized and unsure how to react. Born and raised in Mumbai, I was aware of such incidents but never expected it to happen to me. To protect myself, I built confidence and self-assurance, ensuring others wouldn’t dare approach me with similar proposals,” the young star added.
Although Vihan was reluctant to tell his parents about this unfortunate incident, he confided in his friends. However, when he finally opened up to his parents, he received their support. “I immediately shared the incident with friends but hesitated to inform my parents, fearing they’d advise me to quit acting. When I finally confided in them, they offered unwavering support and encouragement to stay confident and assertive,” he said.
The shocking incident did not discourage the actor from pursuing his dreams. He shared, “I recognized that sexual harassment exists everywhere, not just in the entertainment industry. I was determined to succeed without compromising my values. I overcame the initial emotional distress by focusing on my goals. I strengthened my resolve, deciding to succeed without succumbing to pressure. Building confidence and mental resilience helped me move forward.”
Vihan concluded by saying that the showbiz world is changing now and people have started to talk about or confront those who ask for sexual advances. “I hope to see opportunities awarded based solely on talent, eliminating compromises that unfairly overshadow deserving artists,” he said. “Predators target vulnerable individuals. Remember, saying ‘no’ doesn’t hinder success; it empowers you. Don’t compromise – your talent will speak for itself. Supporting those who face similar experiences helps create a safer environment,” he explained.
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