Glam biz has an ugly side, admit models

Following MiD DAY's expose of the casting couch in Bangalore, well-known models speak out about a problem they only talk about in whispers

Following MiD DAY's expose of the casting couch in Bangalore, well-known models speak out about a problem they only talk about in whispers

Models in Bangalore say it is not uncommon for clients to ask them for sexual favours, but advise young aspirants to say a firm no.

MiD DAY's story in yesterday's edition about an aspiring model being asked for favours in return for an assignment has shocked the modelling world, but only because someone has dared to come out in the open.

Harsh truth: Model Radhika said she had lost a couple of assignments because she said no when asked for sexual favours

Many models, usually forthcoming with a ready opinion on everything from global warming to the pub deadline, clammed up when asked about something that affects their lives, but some refreshingly candid professionals in the business came out with their opinions.

We asked whether they had faced demands for sex in exchange for work, and how they had handled the problem, and this is what they said.

Sujith Sebastian
That never happened with me, and I don't think anyone would accept it in print if it had happened with them. They would never tell even a fellow model because word would spread like wildfire. I have been in this field for four years and I came up on my own merit. I have been lucky enough not to have faced the casting couch. Some gays do hit on me, but I also have gay friends who are very decent.

Abhay Arya
I don't want to be diplomatic... Yes, I believe there is a casting couch in this industry and I have faced it in my initial days. There was a time when I got seven assignments and only three were genuine. I have been asked to do favours for assignments. And some co-ordinating agencies are into it. Thankfully I was firm and never got carried away. I have lost many shows because I said no.

Radhika Rao
Well, initially, yes. I did face this problem, and I come from a family with no modelling background. I had no godfather and I was the first in my family to enter this profession. I did lose a couple of assignments because I said no. The ignorance of the common man makes it worse. They think it is easier to ask us in the glamour business for favours. They don't understand that modelling is a profession just like any other. A model should give no leniency to clients in these matters.

Karan Rao
I guess I have been extremely lucky that I have never faced such problems. I got proper guidance when I joined and now I am here. But I have heard stories. I do not think anyone should just blame the agencies or anyone seeking favours. You always need two hands to clap. So when these young models are desperate for work, they go to any extent. Aspiring models shouldn't do that. It's a competitive industry like any other and I would say do not use short cuts.

Priya Nayak
Oh, my God! No! thankfully, no one has ever asked me for such favours. If I have survived in industry this long, it is because I have never faced something like this. I would not want to comment on others' experiences. I just feel I have been lucky to be where I am now.

Casting ouch
Riya (24, name changed on request) was asked by a model co-ordinator from Prasad Bidapa Associates whether she would be comfortable "handling" clients in exchange for work. When she refused, he told her there were other girls out there ready to do what was required. She was scandalised and complained to the police.

Prasad Bidapa claimed he had sacked co-ordinator Amit, but when a reporter called Amit, he said he still worked for the company. MiD DAY broke her story yesterday.