Gehna Vasisth Opens Up About Harassment in Bollywood
Actress Gehna Vasisth, known for her role in B-grade films and her involvement in the Raj Kundra pornography case, has once again made shocking allegations against members of the film industry. In a recent interview with Dainik Bhaskar, she revealed disturbing incidents of harassment, exploitation, and even rape that she faced throughout her career. Gehna shared heart-wrenching details about how she was exploited under the pretense of work opportunities and exposed the dark side of the casting couch in Bollywood.
Tricked and Exploited by a Fake Director
Gehna Vasisth narrated an incident that occurred early in her career when she was misled by a man pretending to be a director at Balaji Telefilms. She explained how the man invited her to his house under the guise of conducting an audition. Once there, he offered her alcohol, and when she became intoxicated, he sexually assaulted her. According to Gehna, the exploitation didn’t end there, as several other individuals in the industry also took advantage of her, demanding sexual favors in exchange for work.
Switching to B-Grade Films for Survival
Unable to break into mainstream Bollywood despite her talent, Gehna Vasisth made the tough decision to work in B-grade films. She shared that after struggling to find roles in mainstream films, she turned to smaller projects to support herself. Despite this, she continued to face challenges in the industry, with exploitation becoming a regular experience for her. Gehna further explained how discussions about harassment have become more common in recent years, thanks to the Hema Committee report and the growing conversations about workplace exploitation since 2018.
An Encounter with a Powerful Producer
In another disturbing revelation, Gehna shared a horrifying story about her encounter with a powerful producer in the industry. After being introduced to a man who promised her roles in major films, including a Salman Khan movie, Gehna found herself trapped in a terrifying situation. The producer tried to force himself on her, pushing her into a room and tearing her clothes. Thankfully, she managed to escape after screaming for help, leaving the terrifying encounter behind.
Drugged and Raped by a Director
Gehna also recalled meeting a man named Praveen Johan, who claimed to be a director at Balaji Telefilms. He invited her to his house, where he told her that she needed to be “open” if she wanted to work in films. He then pressured her to drink alcohol, convincing her it was part of a scene she would need to perform. Once she became intoxicated, Praveen took advantage of the situation and raped her. Gehna was able to escape but fell into a pit outside the house, where she was rescued and taken to the hospital. She remained hospitalized for a week, recovering from the trauma.
Casting Couch: A Grim Reality in Bollywood
Throughout the interview, Gehna revealed multiple instances where she faced harassment and exploitation under the pretense of work. She spoke about how producers and directors would often ask her for sexual favors, promising roles in exchange for “friendship” or physical intimacy. In one instance, Gehna was advised to meet director Sai Kabir. When she arrived at his house, she noticed liquor bottles scattered on the table. Kabir sat beside her, caressing her waist and promising her a lead role in a film if she agreed to his terms. Using her wits, Gehna excused herself by pretending she had forgotten her keys and quickly left the house.
Another Producer’s Unwanted Advances
Gehna further accused a famous music company owner of attempting to exploit her. The man had initially promised her work but later revealed his true intentions, telling her that she needed to go to his room if she wanted to secure a role. Sensing the situation, Gehna immediately cut ties with the individual, ending any potential collaboration.
Speaking Out to Raise Awareness
Gehna’s interview serves as a stark reminder of the darker aspects of the film industry, where vulnerable actors, particularly women, are often targeted by those in positions of power. Her story is one of resilience and courage, as she continues to speak out against exploitation despite the personal and professional risks. The actress hopes that by sharing her experiences, she can encourage others to come forward and break the silence surrounding harassment and abuse in the industry.
Her revelations shed light on the ongoing issues within Bollywood and reinforce the need for stronger measures to protect artists from exploitation.
