Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan, in a shocking statement defended the casting couch, for which she later apologized. In an interview, the choreographer was asked to comment about the Tollywood actress Sri Reddy’s recent fight against the casting couch.
With a straight face, Khan said, “This is not a new thing, this has existed for a long time. Everyone wants to take advantage of girls, even the government.”
The choreographer went on to say,” Even people in the government abuse girls and women, why are you after the film industry? The industry also provides livelihood, it does not discard the woman after that.”
Shocking many Saroj Khan blamed the victim by saying, “What a woman wants depends on her, if she does not want to be a victim then she won’t be one. If you have your art, why would you sell yourself? Do not blame the film industry, it is what provides us our livelihood.”
Many were shocked by Khan’s comments, while actors like Richa Chadha tried to see the positive, British actor and model Sophie Choudry was enraged. She said, “WTH?!!!! So much respect for Sarojji 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!! 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.”
At a time when women are finally speaking up and fighting against the atrocities against them, there is one woman who makes distasteful comments. Tollywood actress Sri Reddy has been on a roll protesting against the evils of the casting couch in the Telugu film industry.
