Veteran choreographer, Saroj Khan’s statement on ‘casting couch’ in Bollywood has lead to a massive controversy. When she was questioned about her views on ‘casting couch’, she gave an absurd justification and said that at least it provides a livelihood.
Justifying the ‘casting couch’ logic in the film fraternity she said, “Can I tell you one thing? This has been going on since the beginning of time. It hasn’t started now. Someone or the other tries to take advantage of every girl. The government’s people do it too. then why are you after the film industry? It provides livelihood at least. The men here does not rape and leave you,”
She then added, “It depends on the girl, what she wants to do. If you don’t want to fall in wrong hands, you won’t. If you have talent, why would you sell yourself? Don’t take the film industry’s name, it is everything for us.”
ALSO READ: Saroj Khan justifies casting couch; says ‘At least it provides livelihood’
The actress said, “When I was a struggler, yes I did face the casting couch. But it wasn’t as if every producer or director I approached was guilty. As in every walk of life, there is sexual corruption in the film industry also. As far as I was concerned, this was just in the beginning. But I had talent and I didn’t have to give in. I learnt to say no. And I used my talent as an artiste to make my way through life. I suggest all strugglers to have patience and not surrender to the temptation of shortcuts,”
She added, “Nobody rapes anyone in this film industry. It’s all consensual and voluntary. In this, I fully support Sarojji. At least she has spoken her mind and let the world know the truth. People in Bollywood don’t speak out the truth about the casting couch although it is happening right here in front of their eyes. They feel they are making their way up why should they bother with what’s happening around them? I really admire Sarojji for letting the world know the reality that they have to face every day. Sarojji has seen what goes here. I totally agree with her.”
Rakhi then claimed that young aspirants are willing to do anything to become “heroines” but they end up becoming “something else”. Concluding her shocking statement Rakhi said, “Sarojji is not wrong”.