Isha Koppikar opens up about casting couch experience; expert shares tips to recognise inappropriate advances in a professional setting

The entertainment industry, like many others, has long grappled with the insidious issue of sexual harassment and the abuse of power. 

Actor Isha Koppikar in an interview recently disclosed her casting couch experience at the age of 18 highlighting this pervasive problem that continues to affect aspiring talents. 

She said, “I was 18 when a secretary and an actor approached me for casting couch. They told me that to get work, you have to be ‘friendly’ with actors. I am very friendly, but what does ‘friendly’ mean? I am so friendly that Ekta Kapoor once told me to have some attitude.”

“When I was 23, one actor asked me to meet him alone, without my driver or anyone else, because there were rumours about him being involved with other actresses. He said, ‘There are already controversies about me, and the staff spreads rumours.’ But I refused and told him that I couldn’t come alone. He was an A-list actor from the Hindi film industry,” she added. 

Reach out to a trusted colleague, mentor, or HR representative for guidance and support. (Source: Freepik)

Koppikar’s account reflects the challenging situations many women and men, especially in junior roles, can face in their careers. It resonates across industries worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for awareness, support, and actionable strategies to combat inappropriate advances in professional settings. 

Gurleen Baruah, organisational psychologist and executive coach at That Culture Thing, says, “Recognising inappropriate behaviours helps individuals and organisations maintain a professional environment where respect and boundaries are upheld, ensuring everyone feels safe and valued at work.”

Common signs that indicate someone may be making inappropriate advances in a professional setting

According to Baruah, these are some common signs: 

Persistent flattery: Continuously complimenting a colleague’s appearance or personal attributes in a way that goes beyond professional norms. 

Unprofessional texts or emails: Sending messages that are overly familiar or suggestive. 

Unwanted gifts or favours: Giving expensive gifts or offering favours that seem out of place in a professional context. 

Manipulative guilt-tripping: Using emotional manipulation to pressure someone into personal meetings or compromising situations.

Positional power leveraging: Using one’s authority or influence to solicit inappropriate interactions. 

Boundary violations: Invading personal space or making unwelcome physical gestures.

Gaslighting or excuses: Dismissing concerns raised by others or rationalising inappropriate behaviour. 

Sexual innuendos or jokes: Making suggestive comments or jokes of a sexual nature that create discomfort. 

Steps an individual should take if they find themselves in an uncomfortable situation

Baruah suggests, “Reflect on the behaviour and determine if it truly constitutes inappropriate advances. Sometimes misunderstandings can occur, so clarity is important.” 

Politely but firmly communicate boundaries to the individual making advances. Keep a record of any inappropriate interactions, including dates, times, and details of what was said or done. Documentation may be crucial if the situation escalates or if you decide to report it.

Reach out to a trusted colleague, mentor, or HR representative for guidance and support, she adds. “They can provide advice on how to handle the situation professionally and may assist in resolving the issue. If appropriate and safe, directly inform the person making advances that their behaviour is unwelcome and ask them to stop. Use clear language and maintain professionalism.”

If the behaviour persists or escalates despite setting boundaries, consider formally reporting the issue to HR or a relevant authority within your organisation. Provide your documented evidence to support your case, Baruah says.

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