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Actress recounts uncomfortable casting experience with director

Marathi actress Sonali Kulkarni has opened up about an uncomfortable encounter during her early career in the entertainment industry. Her account adds to a growing body of testimonies from actresses who have faced inappropriate behaviour during casting processes.

LSN India · 17 October 2026

Actress recounts uncomfortable casting experience with director

Actress Sonali Kulkarni has spoken publicly about an unsettling casting experience from her early days in the film industry, when a director reportedly summoned her to a bedroom. The incident left her visibly uncomfortable and upset with the director's conduct.

Kulkarni's revelation contributes to ongoing discussions within the Indian entertainment sector about the prevalence of casting couch incidents. Numerous actresses have previously shared similar experiences, highlighting systemic issues within the industry's audition and talent selection processes.

The casting couch phenomenon has long been a documented problem in Indian cinema, with power imbalances between filmmakers and aspiring actors creating environments where inappropriate behaviour can occur with limited accountability. The entertainment industry has faced increased scrutiny in recent years as more performers have come forward with their experiences.

Kulkarni's decision to speak about her experience publicly reflects a broader cultural shift toward transparency and accountability in the film industry. Her account serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by performers, particularly women, navigating the competitive and often unregulated casting landscape in Indian cinema.