For Bollywood, it's difficult to discuss casting couch. Ileana D'Cruz explains why

After several members of Hollywood accused producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment, actors from the Hindi film industry have spoken up about casting couch in Bollywood. Ileana D'Cruz, in an explicit interview with Bombay Times, disclosed an incident when a junior artiste from the south film industry had asked her for advice in order to deal with a situation as such. Celebrities, however, often refrain from discussing casting couch as Ileana said that it might "end" the respective actor's career. 

"It might sound cowardly, but I do agree that if you speak out about the casting couch, it will end your career. Years ago, a junior artiste down South, who was being propositioned by a big producer, sought my advice on how to deal with it.I told her that it’s something that I couldn't decide for her. It is her decision and that nobody could force it on her. Many people have done it and it’s up to her whether she wants to go ahead and do it or not. As far as exploitation and harassment is concerned, I wouldn't stand for it," Ileana told Bombay Times. 

During her interview, Ileana also spoke about actor Kevin Spacey, accused of multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. He has reportedly checked into a rehab centre in the Arizona desert to receive treatment for sex addiction."The fact of the matter is that if an A-list star is accused of something like this, you will require a large number of people to come forward, including A-list actresses and actors, to make a difference. Actors in this country are worshiped. So it will take many voices for people to acknowledge that huge stars could have such an ugly side. I can’t watch Kevin Spacey’s show anymore, though I have loved it earlier because he has been accused of harassment. It disgusts me as a person," Ileana added. 

Celebrities including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Richa Chadha and Irrfan Khan, have condemned casting couch immensely. Ileana D'Cruz featured in south films before making her debut in Bollywood with Ranbir Kapoor's Barfi! in 2012. Ileana D'Cruz also starred in Phata Poster Nikhla Hero, Main Tera Hero, Happy Ending, Rustom and Mubarakan. Raid, co-starring Ajay Devgn, is scheduled to release on March 16.