Telugu actress Sri Reddy stripped in public on Saturday at the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce Office in Hyderabad to protest against sexual harassment and the prevalence of casting couch in Tollywood.
#Hyderabad: A Telugu actress took off her clothes in public at Telugu Film Chamber Of Commerce, she alleges that she has not been given a fair chance at work and that women are being exploited sexually by producers, members of Film Chamber. pic.twitter.com/z2Z9Zr465M
— ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2018
She has been vocal about casting couch in Telugu movie industry and has accused producers and directors of sexual misconduct. She has also been denied a membership to the Movie Artistes Association (MAA) despite having acted in three films.
According to The Times of India, Sri Reddy said that she has sent several nude photographs and videos to the producers and directors asking for a chance to act in films. “They see the videos and give no roles. They have even asked for live nude videos from me. That is the extent to which they go to take advantage of women who seek roles,” she said.
She added that these issues are happening to the local girls who aspire to become an actress. She added, “They give roles to actresses from Mumbai or others places, whereas we local girls are only sexually exploited on the promise of being given roles.”
A few days back, Sri Reddy had accused Fidaa director Sekhar Kammula of sexual misconduct. The actress, in a Facebook post, alleged various filmmakers seeking sexual favours and how most directors would not choose a Telugu actress for films. She recently suggested Kammula’s name for assuring her work but not honoring it.
In response to her allegations, the director had said he has never met her and if the posts are not removed, he will seek legal action against her.
