When Sai Tamhankar spoke about shutting down unwanted advances early in her career: 'Casting couch is not the only way'

Known for her fearless choices across Marathi and Hindi cinema, Sai once opened up about an unsettling incident from her early days in the industry. In a candid conversation, she recalled receiving an inappropriate phone call that left her disturbed but not intimidated.

Rather than staying silent, she responded firmly, saying she gave a “karara jawab” to the offer and ended the conversation immediately.During an interview with Bollywood Bubble, the actor stressed that such behaviour is not confined to showbiz alone. “Not only in our profession, but such things happen everywhere,” she said, highlighting how women across fields encounter similar situations. She added that apart from that one incident long ago, she was fortunate not to face anything comparable again.

“Fortunately, it never happened to me except for one random phone call many, many years ago, and I gave it a firm reply,” she stated.Reflecting on how one navigates the industry, Sai emphasised the importance of self-belief and clarity of purpose. She noted that one’s intent and boundaries shape how others behave. “I think if your intent is in the right place, you have nothing to worry about,” she explained. She also underlined that success does not depend on compromising situations, adding, “It’s important to know that there are other ways, casting couch is not the only way.

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Looking back at ‘Hunterrr’ and public perception

Sai also revisited reactions to her bold performance in ‘Hunterrr’, where she starred opposite Gulshan Devaiah. She maintained that worrying about public opinion would make acting impossible. “If I start thinking about ‘log kya kahenge,’ then I shouldn’t be an actor,” she remarked, adding that judgement is part of the profession. Interestingly, one of the film’s much-talked-about intimate scenes was shot long after principal photography wrapped.

For her, however, it was simply work. “I never saw it as bold or shocking, it was simply part of my job,” she said, noting how the film later earned cult status.