The other day, in a press meet, a Telugu film journalist asked Ananya Panday about the prevalence of casting couch in Tollywood. While the question was familiar and conventional, the journalist in question spiced it up by alleging that sexual favours are routinely sought from female actors in the industry and that such favours have been formally included in the "agreements" struck by production houses with actresses.
The Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce has now sought an explanation from the journalist. She must now provide evidence of the accusations she has levelled against the industry, failing which she would be liable for action. The TFCC said that the allegations are "insulting" in nature.
It is not clear if the journalist in question has a legal recourse. She merely said that her "friends in the industry" had told her about the existence of "agreements" that mandate "commitment" from female actors. Merely quoting a third party doesn't warrant accusations of defamation.
The TFCC, on its part, is justified to take offence. The journalist's question adds legitimacy to the myth that such agreements exist in the industry. While casting couch is prevalent and it is no secret, "agreements" formalizing the sexual harassment don't exist.
