Director Tanuja Chandra says she is glad the "sting operation" exposed actor Shakti Kapoor reportedly seeking sexual favours from an aspirant actress, but newcomer Ayesha Takia slammed it as an incursion upon privacy.

The recent expose by a television channel on Bollywood's alleged "casting couch syndrome" has sparked off a heated debate among the film fraternity.

While some stars claim it has long been in existence, others dismiss it as the channel's effort to boost its viewership.

"I don't see why it should generate a shock. The reality is that it has been in existence for years. When I first saw the Shakti Kapoor expose TV, I felt it would caution young girls who are naïve and prone to exploitation," said director Tanuja Chandra.

Meanwhile, popular VJ turned actor Purab Kohli was of the opinion that the trend was not merely limited to female artistes.

"I have been told that Aman Varma made a remark saying he had to go through it. I am sure he must be right. I have known male actors who have had to make compromises in order to bag roles."

However, newcomer Ayesha Takia however was least abiding: "I don't think the issue is so much about the casting couch as the invasion of an artiste's privacy. It is a decision entirely between two people.

"I also think it is about the individuals and not the industry as a whole. Besides, the so-called casting couch does not just happen in the film and television industry, it happens in every field including the media."

"Vaastu Shastra" actress Peeya Rai Chowdhary toed the similar line: "I have never experienced it nor have any of my friends. Casting couch can be better referred to as 'sexual politics', depending on the way a person projects herself and the willingness of the actress to go to these limits".

Pahlaj Nihalani, president of the Association of Motion Pictures and Television Program Producers agreed: "I am bit upset about the film industry and its image being conveniently tarnished just to shoot up TRP ratings of the channel.

"There may be so many things that may be happening behind closed doors of corporate houses, but choosing the film industry and its people is very convenient to attract instant attention."