Bigg Boss 19’s Malti Chahar opens up on casting couch, boundaries and the lesson she learned the hard way

After spending weeks inside the Bigg Boss 19 house, Malti Chahar is now addressing a far more serious issue than reality-show conflicts. The actor and filmmaker, who is also cricketer Deepak Chahar’s sister, has spoken openly about facing casting couch–like situations during the early phase of her career.

In a recent interview and podcast conversation with Siddharth Kannan, Malti shared how subtle and indirect advances are often part of how power operates in the entertainment industry. She made it clear that such situations do exist and that she has faced them personally.

Also Read: Bigg Boss 19: Malti Chahar gets candid about Amaal Mallik and Pranit More after exit

“They Test Your Limits Quietly”

Malti explained that casting couch is rarely direct. “They never say things openly. It’s always hinted,” she said, adding that people often try to test boundaries before crossing them. According to her, body language and behaviour play a big role in how others respond to you.

She recalled that while most people understood her limits, there were a few instances where lines were crossed. “One or two people crossed the line, one even misbehaved, but most understood my boundaries,” she said, stressing that being firm from the start often helps.

The Incident That Shook Her

One particular experience still disturbs her. Malti recalled meeting a well-known and elderly filmmaker several times for a project. After their work concluded, she hugged him politely from the side while saying goodbye. “In return, he tried to kiss me on the lips,” she revealed.

The moment left her frozen. “I didn’t understand what had just happened. I immediately stopped him and never met him again,” she said. What hurt more was the emotional betrayal. “I had respected him like a father figure. That incident taught me never to put anyone on a pedestal.”

Why Her Upbringing Made a Difference

Malti credited her disciplined upbringing—her father served in the Indian Air Force—for giving her clarity and courage. She believes this background helped her recognise red flags early and walk away, even if it meant losing opportunities.

Also Read: Bigg Boss 19: Malti Chahar’s heartbreaking reveal, 'I didn’t find any friends' inside the house

A Message for Women Entering the Industry

Offering advice to young women, Malti warned against falling for “sweet talk” and urged them to stay alert. “You can’t control how others behave, but you don’t have to submit,” she said, emphasising self-belief, awareness and strong boundaries.

Malti Chahar, who entered Bigg Boss19 as a wildcard and exited during finale week, hopes that speaking out will encourage more honest conversations about safety and respect in the industry.