An uncle Would Give Chocolates, Make Me Sit On His Lap: Chahatt
Mumbai: Television actress Chahatt Khanna, widely known for her role as Ayesha Sharma Kapoor in the hit series Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, recently made a heart-wrenching revelation about a traumatic childhood incident that she only came to fully understand in adulthood.
In a candid conversation with Hauterrfly, Chahatt recalled being molested as a child by an elderly man in her housing society. “This happened when I was very young,” she shared. “There was this uncle in my society—he was known to be a kind, sweet Bengali uncle. He used to make me sit on his lap and give me chocolates. I didn’t think much of it back then.”
It wasn’t until two years ago that the gravity of the incident hit her. “I met my childhood friend, and she told me about how she had filed a molestation case against the same uncle. That’s when it hit me—he used to do the same things to me. She was a little older, so she understood it back then. I didn’t.”
Speaking Out Against Exploitation in the Industry
During the same interview, Chahatt also shed light on the persistent exploitation and coercion faced by newcomers in the film and TV industry. She spoke about the euphemism of “compromise” often used in casting and contract negotiations, revealing the dark subtext behind the term.
“When you’re a newcomer, people try to take advantage because they know you’re naïve,” she explained. “They’d say things like ‘Madam, compromise’—and you’re left figuring out what that even means. It’s prevalent in both the South and Bollywood industries. The only difference is, in the South, they are more direct about it.”
She added shockingly, “I’ve seen contracts where it was written clearly—you have to compromise with the hero, the director, the producer… basically everyone except the spot boy. I’ve heard these stories, seen them unfold. Thankfully, no one ever crossed that line with me personally.”
A Journey of Resilience and Success
Despite the harsh realities of the industry, Chahatt Khanna has built a successful and resilient career. She began her journey in television with Hero: Bhakti Hi Shakti Hai and went on to appear in shows like Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan, Kaajjal, and Qubool Hai. Her breakthrough came with Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, which cemented her status as a household name.
Chahatt has also made notable appearances in films such as Thank You, 7½ Phere: More Than a Wedding, Prassthanam, and more recently, Yaatris (2023).
A Voice for Change
By sharing her experiences, Chahatt Khanna joins a growing chorus of voices calling out inappropriate behavior, childhood abuse, and industry exploitation. Her brave revelations serve as a reminder of the importance of safe spaces for dialogue, accountability, and protection—both for children and for aspiring artists navigating the challenges of showbiz.
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