Following allegations of sexual harassment levelled against casting director Vicky Sidana, Mid-day reports that Panorama Studios is taking steps to address any similar incidents in the future by offering aspiring actors specially designed feedback forms in which they can record a complaint should they face any untoward behaviour while auditioning for a role.
An actor who spoke to the publication mentioned that after their audition had concluded, they were given a form in which they were to fill out their name and other details for identification along with feedback on their experience during the session and a note to assure the producers that no sort of mistreatment took place.
Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak was quoted as saying, “Firstly, we ensure that the auditions take place in our office premises. We have installed CCTV cameras in the audition rooms. Post this, we hand the aspiring actor a document to take it in writing that his/her experience wasn't an unpleasant one. If someone raises a red flag, we have a redressal committee [a 10-member team with a legal POSH expert on board] that will address the complaint within a fortnight. It has been two months since we implemented this.”
The decision to implement this system comes after casting director Vicky Sidana, who has been associated with most of the films produced under Panorama Studios’ banner, was accused of sexual harassment by actor Kritika Sharma. According to a report by ANI, an FIR was filed against Sidana, who was booked under sections 354, 509 and 406 by the Versova Police in Mumbai.
(Source: Mid-day)