Not just Bollywood, it exists everywhere: Shama Sikander spills the beans on casting couch

TV actress Shama Sikander is known for popular shows like Yeh Meri Life Hai, CID, Batliwala House No. 43, Kaajjal and Seven. She has also appeared in a couple of films, the last one being Bypass Road, which released in 2019.

She has also been a part of groundbreaking web content like the short film Sexaholic and the mini-series Maaya: Slave of Her Desires.

Recently, the actress opened up on the infamous topic of 'casting couch' and added that it exists everywhere though things have definitely changed over the years. "The industry has changed so much, and for good. Today, young producers are far more professional and treat people respectfully. They do not have the notion of sex for work. In the past, I have had producers tell me that they wanted to be friends with me. I was like, how can we be friends if we do not work together. I feel the whole concept of asking for sex in return for work is the lowest of low. I mean, you have to be a terribly insecure human being to do that," said Shama.

She adds: "Some of these producers and makers were well-established names in the industry... But casting couch is not limited to Bollywood alone. It happens everywhere."

Notably, Sikander got engaged to American businessman James Milliron in Dubai, UAE. On 14 March 2022, the couple tied the knot in Goa.

At present, Shama is busy with her women's wear fashion label 'Saisha', located in the upscale Mumbai suburb of Bandra West. Sikander has also showcased her collection numerous times, while appearing on the ramp in her own designs on numerous occasions. Her label Saisha has appeared both domestically in Hyderabad Fashion Week and Mumbai's Lakme Fashion Week, as well as internationally, most notably in South Africa.