, Sept. 13 -- Actor and casting director Abhishek Banerjee has reflected on past casting practices in Bollywood, noting how requesting sexual favours was once common but has significantly reduced following the #MeToo movement.

Speaking to Mid-Day, Banerjee said his casting agency has always prioritised talent and maintained strict professional guidelines. "I had a very strict rule in my casting company that nobody could meet an actor outside the office for casting. Any violation would result in dismissal," he stated.

He recalled how, earlier, actors often doubted professional intentions. "I remember when I used to cast, it was difficult for people to accept that we were working purely professionally," Banerjee said. He added that today,...