Priyanka Tiwari
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Chahatt Khanna, best known for her role as Ayesha Sharma in Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, recently shared a deeply personal and troubling story from her childhood, reflecting on how the reality of a molestation incident only came to light much later in life. The television star also addressed the ongoing issue of exploitation within the entertainment industry, particularly around the disturbing concept of "compromise" in casting.
Childhood Trauma Revisited
In a heartfelt conversation with Hauterrly, Chahatt Khanna recounted a painful memory:
“This happened when I was very young. There was this uncle in my society—he was known to be a kind, sweet Bengali uncle. He used to make me sit on his lap and give me chocolates. I didn’t think much of it back then."
The realization struck her two years ago after meeting a childhood friend, who had filed a molestation case against the same man.
Chahatt said,
“She was a little older, so she understood it back then. I didn’t.”
Inside the Dark Side of the Industry
During the same interview, Chahatt shed light on the predatory practices that often target newcomers in the film and TV industry:
“When you’re a newcomer, people try to take advantage because they know you’re naive. They’d say things like ‘Madam, compromise’—and you’d be left figuring out what that even means."
She pointed out that in South Indian cinema, people are more direct about it.
Chahatt revealed that she had seen actual contracts stating:
“You have to compromise with the hero, the director, the producer… basically everyone except the spot boy.”
Thankfully, Chahatt clarified that she personally never experienced direct exploitation, but confirmed the alarming prevalence of such practices in both Bollywood and regional film industries.
A Resilient Career Journey
Despite industry challenges, Chahatt Khanna has carved out a successful acting career:
TV Debut: Hero: Bhakti Hi Shakti Hai
Popular shows: Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan, Kaajjal, Qubool Hai
Breakthrough role: Ayesha Sharma Kapoor in Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
Film appearances: Thank You, 7½ Phere: More Than a Wedding, Prassthanam, and Yaatris (2023)
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