Jubilee actor Wamiqa Gabbi on casting couch in Bollywood: ‘As a woman, you think about it’

 

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One of her dialogues from the show, ‘Film banane ke liye kisi na kisi ke sath sona padhta hai, ya shareer se ya imaan se (You need to compromise to make a film, either physically or morally),’ was noted by fans, who felt it was directed at the casting couch in Bollywood. In a chat with indianexpress.com, Wamiqa said that the same was not just about films but any industry. She also added that it’s not just women who face it, however, she has been lucky to have not experienced anything like this.

“I have personally not faced anything like this, and I call myself fortunate. I have grown up in a very protected environment and have always had my family’s support. I have no connection to the film industry and my dad always says I was lucky to have gotten good work. To be honest, we all hear about these things and I have wondered how would I have reacted if this was to happen to me. As a woman, you always think about it,” she shared.

 

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Wamiqa added that the casting couch is prevalent in every industry but never gets spoken about. She said, “It happens everywhere but no one gets to know about it. As actors, we are accessible and even share about it on platforms so people know it happens. Otherwise, I know about my friends who are in corporates and have faced similar situations. Bollywood aiwe hi badnaam hai sirf (Bollywood is only defamed). And zabardasti koi so nahi sakta (no one can force you to do it). Also, in this show more than physical, we are talking about compromises one does morally, or turn selfish and corrupt.”

Talking about her character, Wamiqa Gabbi said that the Nilofuer has had a tough life and is a cynic. She added that only when she meets Jay Khanna, she has a transformation. “She is not in touch with that innocence, the child in her. But when she meets him, something clicks and you can see a transformation. That’s the connection they share and it’s so different. The carelessness, the comfort with Jay is so beautiful to watch.”

 

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Director Vikramaditya Motwane, who was also part of the conversation, pitched in to say that it was the same childlike quality in Wamiqa that made him sign her. He said that casting the part was quite difficult and the actor was the last one to come on board. “Because of Covid, the show got pushed, and we could finally find Wamiqa. We were certain we want an actor, who could do the scenes, sing and dance but also have a goofy side to her. Her Instagram page is quite a personality and sets her apart. Her sense of humour, the stupidity, just adds to the overall personality of Nilofuer, and she aced it.”

Also starring Aparshakti Khurana, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Aditi Rao Hydari, Ram Kapoor, among others, Jubilee’s second part will drop on April 14 on Amazon Prime Video.