Saroj Khan defends casting couch, says it provides livelihood
What's the story
Veteran choreographer Saroj Khan has courted controversy with her comments on the practice of casting couch in the film industry. Accepting that it exists in Bollywood, Khan said that casting couch at least provides a livelihood. She further added that it is not like someone is raped and abandoned. Here's more on what she said.
Details
Khan's bizarre reasoning to justify casting couch
Speaking at a press conference, Khan said, "This is going on from 'baba Adam's times'. Someone or the other always try to take an advantage of a girl. The government does it too, then why are we only behind the film industry?" "It provides livelihood at least. Doesn't rape and leave you. It's up to the girl, what she wants to do," she added.
Reactions
"Disgusted" Twitterati slam her for the insensitive remarks
Khan, who is regarded as a legendary choreographer in Bollywood, has drawn the ire of Twitterati big time. Kavita Kane wrote, "That's such a disgusting justification by #SarojKhan! Now is the time to come out with suitable placards. #CastingCouch." "This is shameful justification by #SarojKhan. She should've come forward to stop this exploitation of women in Bollywood rather than justifying it," opined VijayB.
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Context
However, she soon issued an apology
Soon after Khan was slammed left, right and center, she issued an apology for her statements to a leading news channel. Her comments came while responding to a query about Telugu actress Sri Reddy who has created a stir down south with her shocking revelations. It's because of Reddy that the debate on casting couch in the film industry has come to the fore.