Chennai: Acclaimed actress Aishwarya Rajesh, known for films like Vada Chennai, Attakathi, and Sankranthiki Vasthunam, recently shared a shocking early-career experience involving a photographer and a director, highlighting the challenges young actors face in the film industry.
Speaking to Nikhil Vijayendra Simha on his podcast, Aishwarya revealed that during a shoot, a photographer allegedly asked her to wear lingerie and expose herself. “I was very young. I had gone with my brother. The photographer asked him to sit outside, took me inside, gave me lingerie to wear, and said, ‘I want to see your body,’” she recounted.
Although initially taken aback, Aishwarya trusted her instincts and refused the demand by claiming she needed her brother’s permission, ultimately walking away from the situation. She expressed concern that many young actresses might have faced similar incidents but said she never informed her brother about it.
Public humiliation on set
Aishwarya also recounted an experience with a director who publicly scolded her for being a few minutes late. “Scolding was not the problem, but he started comparing me with other actresses. Even if I made a mistake, one should not scold publicly, right?” she explained.
Despite these early challenges, Aishwarya Rajesh has built a successful career and continues to earn accolades for her performances. She was last seen in the Tamil film Theeyavar Kulaigal Nadunga alongside Arjun and starred in 2025’s hit Sankranthiki Vasthunam. She is now teaming up with Thiruveer for her upcoming project, Oh..! Sukumari, directed by Bharat Darshan. Aishwarya has also been recognized for her talent, receiving the Best Actress (Special Prize) for her work in Kanaa and Vada Chennai.
By sharing her experiences, Aishwarya sheds light on the pressures and challenges faced by young actors, while emphasizing the importance of trusting one’s instincts and maintaining personal dignity in the industry.
