Choreographer Saroj Khan courted a major controversy by defending the film industry on casting couch with bizarre explanation.
According to reports, the Bollywood celebrity has termed ‘casting-couch’ an “age-old” practice. She asserted that it happens in every field and “why the entertainment industry alone should be targeted”.
“Tum film industry ke peeche kyun pade ho? Woh kam se kam roti toh deti hai. Rape karke chhod toh nahi deti. (Why are you targeting the film industry? At least, it gives people livelihood. It doesn’t abandon after rape),” the three-time National Award-winning choreographer is heard saying in a video.
After receiving flak for her shocking statement, Saroj Khan apologised when she was contacted by various media organisations for reaction on Tuesday.
Defending the film industry, Saroj Khan had also said that the artistes have a choice as they can choose not to work with someone who has asked for favours. She added that if a person is talented, then why would that person give favours to anyone.
“Tumhare paas art hai toh tum kyun bechoge apne aap ko? (If you are talented enough then why would you give in?),” she said.
From time to time, number of Bollywood celebrities have come forward and shared their horrifying experiences. Some of the actresses believe that most actors choose not to talk about it because of fear of not getting work again.
Actress Radhika Apte had once revealed that she was offered a role in a Bollywood film, on the condition of being ‘okay sleeping with that person’. She refused the offer right away.
Talking about the issue of casting couch, even Ranveer Singh once said, “Yes, casting couch does exist in the industry. I’ve experienced it during my struggling days. But it depends on how you tackle the situation. I chose to decline politely.”