Veteran Choreographer Saroj Khan says casting couch provides livelihood, is a girl’s choice.
Legendary Indian choreographer Saroj Khan, recently in an interview, justified the phenomenon of casting couch in the film industry and sparked an outrage on social media. She jumped to the defense saying that casting couch has existed in the industry since a very long time and that it provides a livelihood to those who come to Mumbai to fulfill their dreams. She also counter-questioned that when the phenomenon exists in the government too, then why is everyone after the film industry?
The veteran choreographer issued such a statement after Telugu actress Sri Reddy went semi-naked on the streets of Hyderabad protesting the fact. Saroj Khan’s statement has come under fire and along with commoners, Bollywood celebrities too are reeling under its shock. Though Khan has apologized for the same, a lot of celebrities have come forward to defend her, while others chose to keep mum.
Jacqueline Fernandez Mercilessly Trolled Over Ek Do Teen Remake, Salman Khan Comes Out In Support!
Actress Richa Chadda, who was recently seen in ‘Fukrey Returns’, posted a series of messages on her Twitter account defending Saroj Khan, stating that she was misquoted and that people are blowing it out of proportion.
Before I get misquoted/misrepresented again, this is what I feel about the SarojKhan comment.I object to the use of the word 'rape'.From a 50 sec clip of an interview with her, I don't feel she's defending 'casting couch' as no person in their mind would. She asks why (1)
— TheRichaChadha (@RichaChadha) April 24, 2018
Single out the film industry,when women have to deal with this everywhere. She actually makes a scathing statement about the Govt exploiting women and says she doesn't judge women who choose this path. That seems to be what she says…(2) https://t.co/OssQ4FYSvo
— TheRichaChadha (@RichaChadha) April 24, 2018
Watch what’s happening. Look at a narrative being spun about the film Indt being an amoral,vacuous,intoxicated place. The film indt if anything is a microcosm of society. I believe Saroj Ji is being misrepresented, no one,especially no woman in their right mind could defend (3) https://t.co/X7oq1TChXI
— TheRichaChadha (@RichaChadha) April 24, 2018
The ‘casting couch’. It’s an abhorrent practice and doesn’t do the indt any good. The indt should be a meritocracy. But let’s not be quick to malign a veteran or judge others so quickly https://t.co/25AJp4EB5r
— TheRichaChadha (@RichaChadha) April 24, 2018
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?: Richa Chadda, on Saroj Khan #CastingCouch pic.twitter.com/m2omh0n6tN
— ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2018
Richa Chadda received backlash on Twitter for her ‘Pretendful’ defence of Saroj Khan on casting couch statement-
Wasn't she the one to level allegations on some mystery man for casting couch when her movie Fukrey's sequel was coming up?
Welcome to Bollywood. PR stunts!— Am I Write? (@vogue_ensemble) April 24, 2018
BOLLYWOOD. The most hypocrite industry.
— dev (@devdj844) April 24, 2018
And she was the one who pointed out this casting couch during her film promotion … Oo so it was for the publicity of film
Wow great— Am♂Na Ka¢h¡ (@cantspareu) April 24, 2018
Yesteryear’s actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha sided with Saroj Khan saying that she isn’t wrong when she comes out with such a statement and that she must’ve gone through the same situation, which gives her the authority to speak up in such a way.
Singer-actress Sophie Choudry voiced her opinion on her micro-blogging site and criticized Saroj Khan for being so ignorant. She also said that her heart goes out to the girls, who are victims of casting couch and that the practice needs to be stopped.
WTH?!!!! So much respect for Saroj-ji as a choreographer but this is how she uses her position to protect girls?!!! If I didn’t come from a financially sound background I would have returned to London within a month of being in mumbai cos of “industry folk” who think like that!! https://t.co/mUqql4MpFh
— Sophie Choudry (@Sophie_Choudry) April 24, 2018
Can’t begin to think what thousands of girls go through in the hope that their “dreams” will come true! Nobody wants to sleep with someone for work. But they are made to feel it’s the only way & “acceptable”. And for those who don’t, it’s a tough road! This has to stop! #TimesUp
— Sophie Choudry (@Sophie_Choudry) April 24, 2018
Anchor Mini Mathur slammed the ace dance master and said that giving out such a statement was totally irresponsible.
WTH!!!?? I see the distinction she is trying to make here but that doesn’t justify any kind of exploitation M’am.. this is hugely irresponsible! https://t.co/uDqsd18TR8
— Mini Mathur (@minimathur) April 24, 2018
While loads of celebrities stood by Masterji, as Saroj Khan is affectionately known in the industry, Sonam Kapoor and Swara Bhaskar eluded the question at the recent trailer launch of their upcoming film ‘Veere Di Wedding’.
