Shatrughan Sinha doesn't deny casting couch's existence in Bollywood, Parliament
What's the story
Wading into the ongoing conversation on casting couch, actor and BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha said it's prevalent in both politics and Bollywood. Sinha supported Saroj Khan's comments on the issue. Earlier, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury had said asking for sexual favours was rampant in Parliament too. "This happens everywhere. Don't imagine that Parliament is immune or any other workspace is immune," she said.
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Both Saroj Khan and Renuka Chowdhury are right, says Sinha
"Neither Saroj Khan nor Renuka Chowdhury is wrong. Sexual favors are demanded and given in both the entertainment world and in politics. It's an old and time-tested way of getting ahead in life. 'You please me I'll please you'," Shatrughan Sinha said.
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Shatrughan Sinha stands by Saroj Khan after furore
Saroj Khan had said casting couch gave livelihood and isn't like rape. Her comments had sparked an uproar, but Shatrughan Sinha felt she was just speaking the truth. Sinha said Khan always spoke from her heart and allowed emotional correctness take over political correctness. "If she said girls have to compromise sexually in Bollywood, she must be aware of what goes on," Sinha said.
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Saroj Khan may be speaking from her own pain: Sinha
"Saroj Khan's contribution to choreography and to shaping the careers of Rekha, Madhuri Dixit and the late much-missed Sridevi, was invaluable. Saroj Khan is a legend in her own right. Perhaps Sarojji has herself gone through her own pain and humiliation," quipped Shatrughan Sinha.
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"Maybe it's called casting-vote couch in politics"
Turning towards politics, Shatrughan Sinha said it can be called casting-vote couch in Parliament. Saying he would never be a part of such compromise, Sinha added the young brigade is known to offer sexual favors and the senior ones accept it. Making his stand clear, Sinha said he didn't endorse the idea but it would be ignorant to turn a blind eye towards reality.
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What happens on the couch is a choice, asserts Sinha
"It's a matter of personal choice. No one is forcing any girl or boy to lie down on the couch. You have something to give and you are offering it to someone who is interested. Where is the coercion or compulsion?," asked Sinha.