Suchitra Pillai recalls facing casting couch; was asked to make ‘compromise’ for a film starring a big actor

Expanding on the incident, she said, “One call came years ago. He said, ‘You want to do South films?’ I said, ‘I have already done a couple but yes.’ He said, ‘There is one very good film, starring a very big good actor and the director is also very big.’ He told me that I had to play actor’s sister and that it’s a big role. I was like, ‘That’s great.’ He then said that a first time producer is bankrolling the project. I thought he is asking discount on my fees but he said, ‘It’s a first time producer so little compromise is needed.’ I said, ‘Sorry.’ He reiterated, ‘Madam, he is a first time producer, little compromise is needed.’ I told him do you even know who you are talking to. I have been in the industry for so many years but he said, ‘Director-actor thing is established but because producer is new that’s why it’s only required one time.’ I told him you got the wrong person and the wrong number.”

Suchitra also acknowledged that while some individuals may choose to comply with such requests, she respects their decisions. However, she emphasised that it was not her path to take and expressed contentment with the choices she has made in her life.