Prominent Indian actress Aishwarya Rajesh recently shared a disturbing incident from her early career, revealing how a photographer demanded she wear lingerie and explicitly told her, "I want to see your body." The acclaimed star recounted the harrowing experience during an appearance on filmmaker Nikhil Vijayendra Simha's podcast, shedding light on the challenges many young women face in the entertainment industry. Rajesh was very young at the time, and the incident left her confused and almost convinced that such demands were a normal part of the profession.[cinemaexpress+7]
A Troubling Early Career Encounter
Aishwarya Rajesh described the unsettling photoshoot where she was accompanied by her brother. The photographer reportedly asked her brother to wait outside before taking her into a private room. Once alone, he handed her lingerie and made the explicit demand. "I was very young. I had gone with my brother. The photographer asked him to sit outside, took me inside, gave me lingerie to wear, and said, 'I want to see your body,'" Rajesh stated.[cinemaexpress+6]
The actress admitted she was initially disoriented and nearly complied, unsure how to react to such an inappropriate request. "At that age, we do not have enough knowledge of how the industry works. I thought maybe that is how things work here. I was almost convinced," she explained.However, an instinctual feeling of unease prompted her to hesitate. She managed to extricate herself from the situation by telling the photographer she needed her brother's permission.Rajesh later reflected on the incident, expressing concern for other aspiring actresses who might have faced similar exploitation. She also revealed that she never disclosed the full details of the encounter to her brother.[cinemaexpress+12]
Speaking Out on Industry Challenges
This disturbing incident is not the only challenge Aishwarya Rajesh has faced and spoken about publicly. She also recalled another painful episode from her early career where a director publicly humiliated her on a film set. Rajesh had arrived a few minutes late, and the filmmaker reportedly shouted at her in front of junior artists, comparing her with other actresses. "Scolding was not the problem, but he started comparing me with other actresses. Even if I did a mistake, one should not scold publicly, right?" the actor said.[cinemaexpress+3]
Rajesh has consistently used her platform to highlight the broader issues of professional boundaries and respectful conduct within the entertainment world. She emphasized the importance of calling out inappropriate behavior that crosses the line, stating that public figures, including actors, should not casually brush aside unwelcome remarks.Her accounts contribute to an ongoing conversation about personal safety and ethical practices in the workplace, underscoring the need for a safer environment for emerging talent.[womansera+2]
Aishwarya Rajesh's Resilient Journey
Despite these early setbacks and disturbing experiences, Aishwarya Rajesh has carved out a respected and successful career in the Indian film industry. Known for her powerful screen presence and acclaimed performances, she has made a significant mark in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema.Her filmography includes notable works such as "Attakathi," "Vada Chennai," and "Kanaa," where she has consistently earned praise for choosing meaningful and performance-driven roles.[cinemaexpress+7]
Rajesh comes from a film background, being the daughter of Telugu actor Rajesh and dancer Nagamani, and the granddaughter of actor Amarnath. However, she faced personal tragedies early in life, including the death of her father and two brothers when she was young.She worked various odd jobs before establishing herself as an actress, deliberately prioritizing strong, performance-oriented roles over a "glamour heroine" image.Her recent candid interviews, including the one on Nikhil Vijayendra Simha's podcast, underscore her commitment to honesty about the realities and challenges of the film industry.Her willingness to share such personal and difficult experiences serves as a powerful message, encouraging dialogue and awareness about the professional conduct expected in the industry.[hindustantimes+6]
