Casting couch provides livelihood: Saroj Khan

"Why would you need to sell yourself if you have talent?" said the choreographer

MUMBAI: Veteran choreographer Saroj Khan says the casting couch has been prevalent in all sectors, not just in the film industry where it "provides livelihood at least". She later apologised for the comment.

At an event, Khan said: "Can I tell you one thing? This has been happening since the beginning of time. It hasn't started now. Someone or the other tries to take advantage of every other girl. People of the government do it too. Then why are you after the film industry?"

She further added that unlike rape, it at least provided people with a livelihood. "It depends on the girl. If you don't want to fall in the wrong hands, you won't. Why would you need to sell yourself if you have talent? Don't take the film industry's name."

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A video of the comment has been taking rounds of the internet. It shocked Twitterati as many took it as a clear chit to the prevalence of casting couch in Bollywood, which has largely remained mum in naming and shaming offenders despite speaking up in favour of the global #MeToo movement.

However, Khan apologised for the remark. "The answered a question that I was asked but my reply was misunderstood. I am sorry. I apologise," the choreographer explained.

When probed as to what was the question, Khan disconnected the call.

The comment comes in the wake of an ongoing debate which intensified after a female actor from the South Indian fraternity initiated protest against the casting couch menace in the film world.

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