Veteran Bollywood choreographer, Saroj Khan, who has choreographed several popular songs in the Hindi film industry in India, has shocked her fans with her remarks about the ‘casting couch’ in the industry.
The term is used in reference to the supposed practice whereby actresses are awarded parts in films or plays in return for granting sexual favours to the casting director.
The three-time National Award winner was speaking at a press conference recently in India where she not only accepted the existence of the practice but also defended it.
While responding to a question about the recent controversy relating to a Telugu actor Sri Reddy’s act of stripping to protest against the sexual abuse in the film industry, the choreographer said that it is done with the consent of a girl.
She further added, that the act ‘at least it gives livelihood’, saying the practice has been going on for a long time.
Ms Khan stated that almost everyone tries to take ‘advantage of women’, and added that at least the casting couch ensures that ‘you get to earn your livelihood, it is not as if you are raped and abandoned.’
‘If the girl is talented, she does not need to sell herself,’ Saroj Khan remarked.
The choreographer has worked with legendary actors such as Madhuri Dixit and the late Sridevi, delivering several of their biggest dance hits.
She has since apologized for her comments.
The #MeToo movement has seen some Indian actresses sharing their personal stories to complain about a pervasive culture of sexual harassment. Aspiring Telugu actress Sri Reddy grabbed attention after she staged a protest against sexual harassment in Hyderabad, India.
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