Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor says he has never faced the casting couch. The actor commented when he was asked for his opinion on veteran choreographer Saroj Khan's controversial statement that casting couch provides livelihood at least in the film industry.
“I have never faced it (casting couch). If it’s there, it is the worst thing,”Ranbir said at the teaser launch of his upcoming film Sanju.
Saroj Khan's comment drew ire on social media, following which she apologised.
Speaking at a press conference recently, veteran choreographer Saroj Khan not only accepted the existence of the ‘casting couch’ in the film industry, but also defended it. The three time National Award winner, who has choreographed over 2000 songs in Hindi films, began her argument by stating that the casting couch was not a recent practice but has been going on from the beginning of time.
Saroj Khan was responding to a question relating to Telugu actor Sri Reddy’s act of stripping to protest against the culture of the casting couch.
Saroj Khan stated that almost everyone tries to take advantage of women, including government officials, so why are you after the film industry. Saroj further defended the practice of seeking sexual favours in the film industry by saying that at least the casting couch ensures that you get to earn your livelihood, it is not as if you are raped and abandoned.
Actors like Richa Chadha and Rajkummar Rao also spoke about Khan’s comments. Rajkummar Rao confirmed male casting couch in the industry while speaking to a TV channel.
She meant to say it takes place in all industries, why is Bollywood being singled out?Richa Chadha
With inputs from IANS.
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