Bollywood actor Abhay Verma, who recently gained popularity following the success of Munjya, has shared his difficult experiences navigating the film industry as an outsider. In a recent interview, Abhay revealed that like many newcomers, he faced the harsh reality of the “casting couch” during the early stages of his career.
In the interview, Abhay explained how his first-ever meeting in Mumbai was far from ideal. “People do want different things in life,” he said, alluding to the uncomfortable proposition he encountered. After the uneasy incident, Abhay chose to temporarily leave Mumbai, returning to his home in Panipat, Haryana, as he didn’t want to compromise his values.
Reflecting on the situation, he said, “I was too naive to register it at that point. It happened once, and later on, I realized that I should never give control of my life to someone else. I went back to Panipat and crushed my dreams because I didn’t want to let this happen.” However, after taking some time to reflect, Abhay came back to Mumbai with renewed determination, saying, “I returned with new power, understanding that my journey is my own, and no one has the right to dictate it.”
Abhay’s decision to keep the individuals involved anonymous highlights the darker side of the entertainment industry, where aspiring actors often find themselves vulnerable to exploitation in pursuit of their dreams. His experience sheds light on the ongoing issue of the casting couch, a practice that continues to affect many within the industry.
Abhay Verma started his acting career with roles in shows such as Marzi and Little Things, but his breakthrough came with The Family Man 2 alongside Manoj Bajpayee, which changed the course of his career. He has since appeared in films like Ae Watan Mere Watan and Safed.
His latest release, the supernatural horror-comedy Munjya, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, premiered in theaters on June 7, 2024. The film, which also stars Sharvari Wagh, Mona Singh, and Sathyaraj, is now streaming on OTT.
