Surveen Chawla reflects on dark phase in film industry while facing casting couch: 'It was just filthy, dirty to even step out...'

Surveen Chawla has opened up about a troubling chapter in her career, shedding light on the emotional toll of navigating the casting couch culture in the film industry. In a heartfelt revelation, she spoke about the cost of standing her ground, the rejections that followed, and the inner turmoil that nearly made her walk away from it all.

Toxic Culture and Doubts About Continuing
In her conversation with Sidharth Kanan, the actress revealed that there was a point in her career when the casting couch culture was so rampant and unsettling that it made her question whether she wanted to continue in the industry at all. She described that phase as deeply disillusioning and emotionally exhausting.




Losing Roles for Saying No
The 40-year-old actor described that period as deeply demoralising, particularly because she began losing roles simply for refusing to compromise. Surveen shared that the casting couch culture seemed almost “trendy” at the time, and each time she stood her ground, it cost her professional opportunities.



She even admitted that the constant rejections and pressure eventually pushed her to an emotional breaking point. Feeling defeated, she began to question her place in the industry and contemplated stepping away altogether, believing it was better to lie low than continue in an environment that didn’t align with her values.

Journey in showbiz
Surveen began her acting journey on Indian television with popular shows like Kahiin To Hoga and Kasautii Zindagii Kay, quickly making a mark as a promising talent. She later transitioned to films through regional cinema, starring in Punjabi hits like Dharti and Taur Mittran Di. Her bold performance in Hate Story 2 (2014) brought her wider recognition, followed by critically acclaimed roles in films such as Parched.