'Munjya' actor Abhay Verma opens up on casting couch experience that nearly ended his career

Abhay Verma, a rising star in Bollywood, has recently gained attention for his compelling performance in the supernatural horror comedy 'Munjya'. Hailing from Panipat, Haryana, Verma's journey to success has been marked by both triumphs and significant challenges, particularly regarding the harsh realities of the entertainment industry.
Abhay's ascent in Bollywood has not been without its struggles. Following the success of 'Munjya', he opened up about a distressing experience with the casting couch that nearly derailed his dreams. In an interview with Instant Bollywood, Verma revealed how this unsettling encounter during his early days in Mumbai forced him to reevaluate his aspirations and ultimately return to his hometown.
Verma's experience with the casting couch is a stark reminder of the challenges many aspiring actors face. He recounted a pivotal moment when he attended what he expected to be an exciting meeting in Mumbai. However, he quickly realized that the individual he met was more interested in exploiting him than discussing his talent. Reflecting on that moment, he stated, “I have never gotten to the point where I have said no. Actually, it did happen once, so my first-ever meeting in Bombay was not the ideal meeting. People do want different things in life.”
This encounter left him feeling vulnerable and disillusioned. Rather than compromising his values, Verma made the difficult decision to leave Mumbai and return to Panipat.
Despite feeling crushed by this experience, Verma's passion for acting ultimately prevailed. After some time away from the industry, he returned to Mumbai with renewed determination and clarity about his goals. He noted, “I was too naive to ever register it at that point. It happened once, and later on, I said, ‘Why would I give my remote to my TV to everyone to play and change the channel?’ That is my life, and that is my goal”.
Upon returning to Mumbai, Verma began auditioning again and gradually landed roles in various projects. His early work included appearances in series such as 'Marzi' and 'Little Things', but it was his role in 'The Family Man 2' alongside Manoj Bajpayee that marked a significant turning point in his career. This role showcased his talent and opened doors for further opportunities.
Abhay’s success with 'Munjya', which premiered on June 7, 2024, solidified his position and showcased his talent which was highly appreciated. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and co-starring Sharvari Wagh and Mona Singh, 'Munjya' became a hit at the box office.
He will be next seen in an upcoming projects like ‘King’ alongside Suhana Khan and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.