Aishwarya Rajesh Opens Up About Disturbing Harassment Incident with Photographer
In a recent interview, acclaimed actor Aishwarya Rajesh has bravely shared a deeply troubling harassment incident from the initial phase of her acting career. The versatile performer, known for her work in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema, recounted an unsettling encounter with a photographer that left her feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable.
The Harrowing Photoshoot Demand
During a candid conversation on Nikhil Vijayendra Simha's podcast, Aishwarya detailed the distressing episode. "I was very young and had gone with my brother. The photographer asked him to sit outside, took me inside, handed me lingerie, and said, 'I want to see your body,'" she revealed, as reported by News 18. This shocking demand occurred when she was just beginning to navigate the complexities of the film industry.
The actor admitted that her lack of experience at the time almost led her to comply. "At that age, I didn't have enough understanding of the industry. Perhaps that is how life goes. I was almost convinced, but not yet," she confessed. However, her instincts ultimately guided her to resist the inappropriate request.
Escaping the Situation and Lingering Concerns
To extricate herself from the uncomfortable scenario, Aishwarya employed a clever strategy. She told the photographer that she needed to seek her brother's permission, which allowed her to escape the situation safely. Reflecting on the incident, she expressed concern about other potential victims, stating, "I wonder how many girls he got to do this... I never told my brother." This revelation highlights the silent struggles many young artists face in the entertainment industry.
Additional Industry Challenges Shared
During the same interview, Aishwarya also discussed another difficult experience involving a director. She recalled an incident where she reported late for work and was publicly reprimanded in front of junior artists. "He was not angry with me but used to always compare me with other actresses. He might have done wrong with me, and then he reprimanded me in front of everyone," she explained. Emphasizing the importance of respectful treatment, she added, "Don't embarrass people in such a way, even if they have made a mistake."
Current Professional Endeavors
Despite these challenging early experiences, Aishwarya Rajesh has established herself as a respected figure in Indian cinema. She was last seen in the Tamil film Theeyavar Kulaigal Nadunga, alongside Arjun, and featured in the 2025 hit Sankranthiki Vasthunam. Currently, the actor is busy shooting for Oh..! Sukumari, directed by Bharat Darshan and starring Thiruveer, continuing to build her impressive filmography across multiple languages.