Casting couch, sexual harassment and other vices in the film industry have come out in open with Harvey Weinstein sex scandal in Hollywood. Many debates and discussions about its existence has often been debated and Bollywood has been questioned for its silence over the matter. While some Bollywood bigwigs have admitted it to its existence, others have outrightly denied it.
While #MeToo and #Time'sUp movemement is making many talk about about it on social media. Veteran choreographer Saroj Khan made a shocking statement on existence of casting couch in the film industry. The three time National Award winner dance guru, who has choreographed many hit numbers for actresses like Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit said it has been a part of the government and not just the film industry. She accepted its existence only to defend it. As per ANI, Saroj Khan said, " It depends on the girl, if she wants to be on the 'casting couch' or not. Why would you want to sell yourself if you are confident about your talent? Don't blame the film industry, woh humara mai baap."
She further said that casting couch has been prevalent from a long time and not only in the film industry, She said " This is happening from a long time. It happens in the government as well and not just only in the film industry. Woh kam se kam roti toh deti hai. Rape karke chhod toh nahi deti."
Earlier Ileana D'Cruz opened up about why not many speak up against it. She was quoted as saying, "It might sound cowardly, but I do agree that if one speaks out about the casting couch, it will end their career." In a previous interview with the Hindustan Times, Richa had stated that we will lose a lot of heroes when B-Town opens up on sexual harassment. She was quoted as saying, "I don’t see that happening immediately given the culture of naming and shaming in our country. But when it happens, as it is happening in Hollywood right now, the entire power structure will change. People, who you see making feminist films and claiming to be progressive etc, they will all come tumbling down."
