Abhishek Banerjee, the actor celebrated for his role in the recently released “Stree 2,” is making headlines not just for his acting but also for his instrumental role in addressing workplace safety in the entertainment industry. Beyond his acting career, Abhishek has been a stalwart in the casting world for over 15 years, co-owning a prominent casting agency in Mumbai known as Casting Bay. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, he delved into the rigorous policies his company has instated to foster a safe and professional environment for women.
Banerjee’s approach to workplace safety is underscored by a strict no-meeting policy outside the office premises. He elaborated, “The first thing we did was that we decided on a rule that we will not do any meetings or none of our employees are allowed to do any meetings outside our office. Because the problem which was really deep-seated was that there was a lot of coffee shop-meeting culture in Bombay. ‘Let’s meet at this coffee shop, meet at this restaurant’. We wanted to say ‘No, that’s not professional. We are not going to work in a coffee shop. You are not meeting to eat food or have coffee. You are meeting for work. So let’s keep it professional. You come to our office, whoever wants to meet, we will give you time. You come, speak to us, and then you go’.”
Further emphasizing the importance of maintaining communication boundaries, he added, “None of our employees are allowed to message female actors after a certain point. If you do that, strict actions will be taken which we have. We have fired employees who have messaged actresses at a certain hour which was probably objectionable. We created a system where women would feel safe.”
This stringent policy underscores Banerjee’s commitment to creating a workspace that is conducive to productivity and, most importantly, safe for women. In an industry often marred by stories of inappropriate behavior, his measures appear not just timely but essential.
. The actor-cum-casting director is serious about the repercussions faced by those who violate these rules, ensuring a deterrent for potential offenders and fostering a culture of respect.
Banerjee’s proactive stance on this issue is receiving praise within industry circles and has sparked conversations on broader reforms needed across entertainment workplaces. His policy is a reflection of the growing acknowledgment within the industry of the necessity to establish formal mechanisms to protect vulnerable employees.
Switching gears to discuss “Stree 2,” Abhishek revels in the film’s success. The horror-comedy has been well-received, and its ensemble cast, including Shraddha Kapoor and Aparshakti Khurana, has been lauded for their performances. However, discussions about Kapoor’s limited screen time have also emerged. Director Amar Kaushik, in a conversation with Bollywood Hungama, addressed these concerns. “Some people even complained that Shraddha Kapoor’s screen time is less. Lekin agar Shraddha zyada dikhti, toh jis tarah ki entry ki usne, uska impact nahin hota (But if Shraddha had been more visible, the kind of entry she made would not have had an impact),” he remarked.
Kaushik’s focus on script needs over screen time underscores the film’s creative choices. The brevity of Kapoor’s appearance was deliberate, aimed at creating a significant narrative impact. Addressing the topic of other actors’ screen time, Kaushik asserted, “We write what is required,” emphasizing that the script’s demands override considerations of balancing screen time among cast members.
Returning to Abhishek Banerjee, his dual role as an actor and casting director shows a man deeply invested in multiple dimensions of the filmmaking process. His experience as a casting director, dealing with various artists and negotiating professional interactions, provides him with insights into the nuances of workplace dynamics. Co-owning Casting Bay has offered him an influential platform to implement his vision of a safe workplace.
Abhishek’s firm and decisive approach towards ensuring workplace safety is a beacon for others in the industry. In an era when workplace harassment and inappropriate behavior are increasingly being called out, his policies are a strong reminder of the importance of creating protective measures. It’s evident that Banerjee is not just content with personal success; he’s dedicated to enacting meaningful change within his professional sphere.
As Abhishek Banerjee continues to enjoy the success of “Stree 2” and manage his responsibilities at Casting Bay, his actions speak volumes about his commitment to safety and professionalism in the workplace. His initiatives provide a blueprint for others in the industry to follow, ensuring a safer, more respectful work environment for all.
