Fatima Sana Shaikh has recently addressed the controversy surrounding her previous comments about the casting couch in the film industry, stating that her words were taken out of context. The actress, known for her roles in films like "Dangal" and "Ludo," clarified her stance in an exclusive interview, emphasizing that she did not intend to generalize the experiences of all newcomers in the industry.

Shaikh's initial remarks, made during an interview with Bollywood Bubble, touched upon the exploitation of aspiring actors by certain casting directors and recounted an uncomfortable casting couch experience she faced early in her career. She described instances where casting agents allegedly demanded a percentage of an actor's earnings, even when the actors secured auditions through their own efforts or word-of-mouth. She also recounted an unsettling encounter during a casting call for a South Indian film, where she was asked if she was "ready to do everything."

Following the interview, excerpts circulated online, leading to speculation and concern about the prevalence of such practices in the film industry. Some social media users urged Shaikh to name and shame the individuals involved, while others debated the extent of the casting couch phenomenon in Bollywood and regional cinema.

In her recent clarification, Shaikh acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue and reiterated that her intention was not to paint the entire industry with the same brush. She emphasized that she has also encountered many supportive and ethical professionals throughout her career. She clarified that she was specifically referring to a few isolated incidents and cautioned against generalizing her experiences to the entire industry. She stressed that "reputable" casting directors do not engage in unethical practices, and she specifically named Mukesh Chhabra and Anmol Ahuja as examples of casting professionals with integrity. However, she admitted that there are "shady individuals" who take advantage of young, struggling actors who are new to the city and unaware of industry norms.

Shaikh's clarification comes at a time when the film industry is under increased scrutiny regarding issues of harassment, exploitation, and power dynamics. The #MeToo movement, which gained momentum in recent years, has brought these issues to the forefront, prompting discussions and reforms within the industry.

The actress's upcoming projects include "Metro…In Dino," directed by Anurag Basu, where she will star alongside Sara Ali Khan, Aditya Roy Kapur, and Pankaj Tripathi. She is also set to appear in "Ul Jalool Ishq," a romantic film with Vijay Varma.