Ankita Lokhande Claims She 'Was Asked To Sleep With A Producer' At 19

Actor Ankita Lokhande, known for work in television and films, recently opened up about a negative experience she faced early in her career, highlighting the issue of the still prevalent casting couch in the entertainment industry. In an interview with Hauterrfly, Lokhande shared that she was approached for a South Indian film role, but the offer came with an unacceptable condition.

Lokhande stated that after giving an audition, she received a call informing her that she had been selected and was invited to meet the producer to sign the contract. Initially excited, she informed her mother about the good news. However, upon reaching the hotel for the meeting, the situation took a turn.

Ankita Lokhande Claims She Was Asked To Sleep With A Producer At 19

The Pavitra Rishta star expressed that she was at a young age full of aspirations where she was in a "phase" of dreaming and wanting to be a "heroine" but stated she was aspirational but not stupid even when she was 19 as she had double minds regarding the offer of why she got it all so easy. 

Lokhande narrated the sour experience as she said, "They called me in and asked my coordinator to stand outside," Lokhande recalled. "They said, 'You have to compromise.'" This "compromise," as she revealed, was a demand for sexual favours in exchange for the film role.

Lokhande refused the offer outright, stating, "I don't think your producer needs talent; he just needs a girl to sleep with, and I am not that one." She then walked away from the meeting but revealed feeling so low about herself as she wondered, "How can someone ask me that?" and decided she would not be going into the films as "it's dirty."

Lokhande's experience sheds light on the power imbalance and unethical practices that can exist within the entertainment industry. Her decision to speak out against the incident adds to the ongoing conversation about the casting couch and the importance of creating a safe and fair work environment for aspiring artists. 

Lokhande debuted in films alongside Kangana Ranaut in the 2019 film Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi and starred in Bhaaghi 3 along with Tiger Shroff, Shraddha Kapoor, and Disha Patani. Bigg Boss 17 finalist, Lokhande will next be seen opposite Randeep Hooda in biographical drama Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.