Kapil Khadiwala: I have had to face indirect proposals of casting couch
Model-actor Kapil Khadiwala says that in his career he has often had to face difficult situations and even casting couch incidents. Kapil, who is a winner of World Book of Records, has been part of commercials for big B Lux Cozy, ICICI, Roca bathtub, Raymond, Excalibur and been part of over ten music videos, made his Bollywood debut with A Game Called Relationship. He has also done a comedy web series titled Ashaleen and his second Hindi film Love Taxi, where he will play a villain, will release soon.
“I have heard a lot of it and have seen a lot around… so, yes, casting couch is real, it happens. It’s up to you, how you handle it. If you struggle in the B or C grade category in any kind of modelling or acting field or any production houses, you will see a lot of casting couch incidents. But you will not hear anything bad about Yash Raj or Dharma or other top most banners. I think one should struggle to reach the top bracket and if there is any kind of casting couch incident, then you should know how to handle it,” he says.
He adds, “I have been in the modelling industry for quite a long time now. I have had to face indirect proposals of casting couch as well. But you should know how to handle it. I just keep my distance and do not hurt anybody’s feelings, just respectfully refuse and keep moving. There are lots of people who face casting couch and such people find it easy to take a shortcut and get into the industry. I respect their feelings and if they want to do something like that, that’s okay. But I think the only way to reach somewhere is through your talent. If you are talented, no casting couch can stop you.”
Struggle in the entertainment industry is never ending and, as an actor also, at times, your role is challenging. Talking about how he manages everything, Kapil says, “Struggling and waiting for the right kind of role is never ending, especially for an outsider. You can’t help it as you have chosen this line and you have to go through this and yes, sometimes, some roles can affect your mental peace as well. So, I think a lot of actors may be going for therapy. I would say that you should forget your character on set and come back home.”
