Actor Zareen Khan recently shared candid details about her career struggles, from being typecast as a “Katrina Kaif lookalike” to facing uncomfortable experiences on film sets, including alleged coercion during the filming of “Aksar 2.”
Breaking Free From an Image
After her debut in “Veer,” Zareen Khan found it challenging to escape the industry’s perception of her as a lookalike for Katrina Kaif. This comparison significantly impacted her initial career path.
However, her role in “Hate Story 3” provided a much-needed turning point. While it brought more offers, it also led to her being typecast in erotic roles, a label she later tried to shed.
Taking on “Hate Story 3”
Zareen explained that she took on “Hate Story 3” as a professional challenge during a time when work opportunities were scarce. She sought advice from her mother, who encouraged her to embrace the role without overthinking.
Despite the bold nature of the film, Zareen found the atmosphere on set to be supportive. Her co-stars were mindful of her comfort, making the experience positive. She also acknowledged that while her family is “open-minded,” her grandparents are devout “namazis,” adding another layer to her decision.
The “Aksar 2” Controversy
Her experience on “Aksar 2” was starkly different. Zareen recalled how director Anant Mahadevan explicitly assured her that the film would not be like “Hate Story 3,” a promise that was not kept.
As filming progressed, Zareen was surprised by the frequent inclusion of intimate scenes. She felt coerced and kept in the dark about many of these sequences, raising her concerns with the director.
However, the director reportedly shifted the blame to the producers, leaving Zareen feeling like the villain. The situation escalated to the point where she was not invited to her own film’s premiere, and negative articles circulated, branding her as “difficult to work with.”
Industry Disillusionment and Double Standards
The “Aksar 2” ordeal left Zareen deeply disillusioned with the film industry’s toxic elements. She questioned why her male co-stars were unable to stand up for her.
Zareen also highlighted the stark gender disparity in how such roles are perceived. While a male actor doing similar scenes might be lauded as a “stud,” female actors often face criticism and typecasting.
- Zareen Khan struggled to overcome her “Katrina Kaif lookalike” image early in her career.
- “Hate Story 3” provided work but led to typecasting in erotic roles.
- She claims she was misled and coerced into intimate scenes during “Aksar 2” filming.
- The “Aksar 2” experience left her feeling betrayed and negatively portrayed in the media.
- Khan emphasized the gender-based double standards prevalent in the film industry regarding intimate scenes.
Her candid revelations offer a glimpse into the challenging realities faced by actors, particularly women, in the entertainment world.
