Former Bigg Boss 19 contestant Malti Chahar has made startling revelations about facing the dark side of the entertainment industry. The actor and filmmaker, who is also the sister of Indian cricketer Deepak Chahar, shared detailed accounts of her encounters with the casting couch, including an incident where a senior director tried to kiss her forcibly.
Disturbing Encounters with Powerful Men
In a candid conversation on Siddharth Kannan's podcast, Malti Chahar recalled multiple unsettling experiences from her early days in the industry. She described an incident involving a prominent South Indian producer. After a narration session, the director instructed her to meet the producer at his hotel room, a request that immediately raised red flags for Malti. She chose not to go, and when the director later questioned her absence, he indirectly hinted that she needed to "understand how things work" in the film world.
Another more traumatic experience involved a well-established director whom she viewed as a father figure. "While leaving, I was giving a side hug, but in return, he tried to kiss me on the lips," Malti disclosed. The incident, which occurred at his office, left her shocked and hurt. She emphasized the betrayal, stating she knew his entire family and never expected such behavior from someone of his age and stature. She confronted him angrily before walking away and cutting off all contact.
Setting Boundaries and Navigating the Industry
Malti Chahar spoke at length about how she learned to handle such predatory advances. She believes that a woman's demeanor and clarity can act as a deterrent. "People are very smart here. They understand my body language, the way I talk, discipline shows in my conversations," she explained. However, she acknowledged the professional cost, admitting that standing firm often leads to lost opportunities.
She also presented a nuanced perspective on responsibility within the industry. While condemning the men who misuse their power, she asserted that women hold significant control in these situations. "If any useless things are happening in this industry, it's because of women only," she stated, clarifying that she meant women have the power to say no. She credited her own strong personality and supportive family background, particularly her father, for giving her the courage to resist pressure.
The Aftermath and Public Reaction
These revelations, shared in December 2025, have sparked fresh conversations about the prevalence of the casting couch in Indian cinema. Malti Chahar, who was a top-six finalist in the controversial reality show Bigg Boss 19, has used her growing platform to highlight an issue that many aspiring actors face but few speak about publicly.
Her account adds to a series of personal disclosures she has made recently, including discussing the dynamics of her family life and the sacrifices she felt she made growing up. By sharing these experiences, Malti joins a growing list of Indian celebrities breaking the silence on harassment and power imbalances in the entertainment business.
