Malayalam actress Sonia Malhar has recently shared some painful experiences from the early days of her film career, shedding light on the darker side of the industry. In a candid interview, she spoke about incidents of harassment, exploitation, and the challenges she faced as a newcomer trying to navigate the competitive world of cinema.
Uncomfortable Experience During a Film Shoot
Recalling an incident from 2013, Sonia narrated how she was harassed during a film shoot in Thodupuzha. Being new to the industry, she was unprepared for the kind of behavior she encountered. The actress revealed that while she was returning from the washroom, a younger co-actor inappropriately touched her. Shocked and distressed by the incident, Sonia said she immediately felt uncomfortable and began to cry.
The actor, realizing his mistake, quickly apologized. However, Sonia explained that the damage was already done, leaving her feeling violated and scared. She recalled, “I was new and didn’t know how to handle such situations. He touched me in a wrong way, and when I confronted him, he acted as if he was proposing to me. I got scared and pushed him away. Though he apologized later, the incident left me shaken.”
Broken Promises and Financial Exploitation
The actress also spoke about the financial exploitation she endured during the same period. She was promised ₹3 lakh for 30 days of shooting for a film in which she played the lead role. However, Sonia disclosed that she did not receive a single rupee for her work. The film was directed by someone with ties to the Raj Bhavan, and the producer was a friend of hers. Despite these connections, Sonia was left empty-handed, struggling to make ends meet.
“I was promised ₹3 lakh, but I didn’t get a single rupee,” Sonia lamented. “My father had passed away, and I was facing financial difficulties. I didn’t even have money to pay my rent. There was no formal contract, and I was left with nothing.”
The Harsh Reality of the Casting Couch
Sonia Malhar didn’t shy away from exposing the casting couch culture prevalent in the industry. She shared that if she had agreed to compromise her morals, she might have received more opportunities in films. However, her refusal to bow down to unethical demands cost her many roles and opportunities.
She recalled a specific incident when she was promised a role in a film and spent ₹7,000 on petrol to travel to Palakkad, only to be replaced by another actress at the last moment. “I was supposed to work in a film called Vasavadatta,” Sonia said. “I was even featured in the first poster of the movie. But one day, the director called me and said, ‘Sonia, you are not right for this movie.’ I was replaced by another actress, Inaya, but eventually, the film was never made.”
A Story of Resilience and Courage
Sonia Malhar’s experiences highlight the struggles faced by many young actors in the film industry. Despite the hardships, Sonia’s story is one of resilience and courage. Her decision to speak out about her experiences not only sheds light on the challenges within the industry but also serves as an inspiration for others who may be facing similar situations.
As Sonia continues her journey in the Malayalam film industry, her story stands as a testament to the strength and determination required to survive and succeed in an environment that often demands more than just talent.
