Saroj Khan defends casting couch in Bollywood, says it at least provides livelihood, apologises soon after

Veteran choreographer Saroj Khan, who is one of the most prominent dance choreographers in Hindi cinema, has got herself in trouble after she made a recent (ignorant) statement on casting couch.

At a recent press conference, when Saroj was asked about her opinion on the ongoing allegations by Sri Reddy that have shaken up the Telugu film industry.

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 other girl. The government’s people do it too. Then why are you after the film industry?”

“It provides livelihood at least. Does not rape and leave you. It depends upon the girl, what she wants to do. If you don’t want to fall in wrong hands, you won’t. If you have art, then why would you sell yourself? Don’t take film industry’s name, it is everything for us.” she added.

 

Veteran Choreographer Saroj Khan gave a bizarre justification of prevailing casting couch situation in the film industry, claiming that ‘casting couch at least provides livelihood’ pic.twitter.com/Gh0FguJJ0s

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) April 24, 2018

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Saroj’s comments didn’t go down well with most and there was an outrage on social media.  She was accused of ‘defending’ sexual harassment of women.

Saroj Khan later issued an apology while speaking to media. She said, “I apologise for my statement.”

Actor Sri Reddy has condemned Saroj Khan’s statement. She said, “I lost respect for you Saroj ma’am. Being an elder you should give a good path to young actresses. It is giving a wrong indication that you have to be a slave to producers.”

Actor Richa Chadha also shared her comments on SarojKhan’s remarks. She said, “I think people are making mountain of molehill. There’s narrative that people in Bollywood are the worst & indulge in malpractices which isn’t the case. She meant to say it takes place in all industries, why is Bollywood being singled out?”

Talking about the reactions that her comments has got, Saroj Khan spoke to a leading lady and said, “I’ve said I am sorry, I am sorry, I am sorry! The media should also listen to the question that was asked to me in that press conference. I didn’t justify or defend anything. These are the words used by the media. All I said was why is the film industry targeted always? Casting couch exists everywhere. But again, I am sorry. I don’t want to say anything else,” she told.