Bollywood casting couch spared Soha Ali Khan due to her family, recalls being flashed in Italy!

The casting couch has long been one of Bollywood’s most controversial realities, with several stars speaking out about the exploitation they faced while seeking work. Kangana Ranaut, Surveen Chawla, and Priyanka Chopra are among those who have openly discussed the pressures and inappropriate advances within the industry. Recently, actress Soha Ali Khan shared her perspective—revealing both an unsafe personal incident abroad and how her family background shielded her from casting couch experiences.

Also Read: Hate Story 2 actress Surveen Chawla recounts casting couch incidents, 'Director tried to kiss...'!

Soha Ali Khan’s Disturbing Encounter in Italy

Daughter of Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi and Sharmila Tagore, and sister to Saif Ali Khan, Soha Ali Khan recalled a troubling experience in Italy, where she was flashed in broad daylight. Describing it as disturbing, the actress admitted she couldn’t comprehend the motive behind such acts.

She said, “In Italy, yes. Apparently that happens often. But in broad daylight? Yeah... What is their motive? I don’t understand that. We don’t want to get into their heads to understand.”

Acknowledging Privilege and Protection

In a conversation with Hauterrfly, Soha reflected on how her privileged background protected her from many unsafe situations that women face daily.

She shared, “I understand that my life is privileged, my life has been protected. And I’m happy that I’ve not had such experiences. I know that for so many people who take public transport, something or the other happens every day.”

Casting Couch: Escaping Through Family Influence

The actress also addressed the casting couch, explaining that her film lineage may have spared her from such exploitation.

She revealed, “Somewhere, this privilege, where you belong to an industry family, maybe because of that, I was spared. Everybody felt that there’s Saif, there’s Sharmila ji. Maybe because of that. But I really haven’t had any experiences like that. Thank God for that.”

Changing Times for Women in Cinema

Soha went on to discuss her early days in films, recalling how few women were present on sets. 

The Mumbai Meri Jaan actress said, “For ages, Bharti, who’s been my hairdresser for 20 years, from my first film to now, Bharti and I were the only women on set. Then somewhere, a costume designer or assistant would be there.”

Also Read: 'Kya bura hai?' Aashiqui fame Anu Aggarwal opines on casting couch

Today, she observes greater female participation across departments such as cinematography, sound, editing, and even technical fields like lighting. Still, she notes the imbalance in the industry.

Soha said, “Even now, a lot of times, you see yourself as a minority—in the boardroom, scripting sessions, casting. You still have to say, this is a female-oriented subject, this is a female-led film. Whereas when men are promoting a film, no one says, this is a male-led cast.”