New Delhi: Nobody's interested in stories about aspiring actresses being sexually exploited in exchange for a foothold in Bollywood.

Those stories are passe.

In the last three days itself, at least two incidents have been reported in which men have accused men in power of demanding sexual favours, and of turning vindictive when their advances were spurned.

Bollywood insiders say the casting couch has always existed for both men and women. It isn't a gender issue at all, they insist.

It's a power issue. Wherever there is an equation of power, there will be exploitation.

Defending their ilk, the industry people claim many aspiring actors and models - both male and female - are themselves happy to offer sexual favours in exchange of work opportunities.

"I think all kinds of casting couch exists. Some which is forceful, and in some cases, people say we don't mind it. So I think the world is changing," says fashion designer Manish Malhotra.

If anything has changed, it is the fact that more and more people are coming out and reporting abuse now.

There was a time aspiring actors and actresses shied away from exposing their tormentors in the fear that they'd be blacklisted in Bollywood.

Today, however, it is exactly the opposite. Nobody knew who Preeti Jain was when she accused Madhur Bhandarkar of sexually exploiting her.

Today she is a household name. She landed bit parts in B-grade films after the Madhur fiasco.

Many, many male models insist it is a tough journey to the top. Several complain of exploitation by filmmakers, designers, make-up men and stylists. Some have horror stories to tell that will make your skin crawl. And yet, they accept, that all it takes is a firm 'no' on their part to turn away the predators.

"I was told, 'You'll get the job, but you know for the job you got to do this.' And that's the thing. That's why I'm out of the fashion world. Sorry all fashion people, I love them all for their creativity, but that's the way I am. I will not succumb," says model Bobby Vats.

There are of course so many who have made it on merit. Those who insist that merit is all it takes.

"If these people feel a role in the hay will get them a role in the film then they're mistaken," says actor Jackei Shroff.

While there is much truth to the fact that ultimately only the talented survive, it's difficult to ignore the sad reality that many are exploited every day in the hope of a big break.

For most, that break may never come. For some, it lands them a foot in the door. Either way, is it worth what one must give up?

That's a question every single person must answer to their own conscience.