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“Bollywood’s Casting Couch At Least Gives Livelihood,” Saroj Khan’s Flawed Defense Shocks All

byJinal Bhatt
24th April 2018
2 minute read

The casting couch is that murky body of water upon which every film industry floats. Bollywood and India’s other regional film industries have had splashes of this dirty water on its sparkling walls every once in a while. Allegations, scandals, protests like the one Telugu actress Sri Reddy has launched, and the diplomatic ‘no comment’ when asked about sexual exploitation—we’ve seen it all.

Even the somewhat pristine façade of Hollywood came crumbling down with Harvey Weinstein, as #MeToo and #TimesUp delivered one punch after another to reveal the decay within.

And now choreographer Saroj Khan too has supplied her two pence about the casting couch in Bollywood. Though, fair warning, you’re not going to like what she has to say.

Saroj
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In an interview with a news channel, veteran choreographer Saroj Khan has defended Bollywood and the rampant casting couch in the industry, claiming that at least, the casting couch provides its victims with a source of livelihood.

Khan draws upon an unnecessary comparison with other institutions like the government, and how they “rape and leave you,” as opposed to Bollywood, which despite the casting couch, at least is a source of livelihood.

“If you have the art, then why would you sell yourself? Don’t take the film industry’s name. It is our ‘mai-baap’.”

Her statement, which seems to be a clear case of foot-in-mouth, has won her many irked critics as well as few supporters who seem to agree with her blunt honesty.

Some think she has fearlessly stated the truth, without mincing her words.

1. Truth.

2. Appreciated?

Majorly though, the odds are not in her favour.

Maybe her intended meaning didn’t come across clearly, but making such a statement on national television amidst the current climate on women’s issues—a rookie mistake you wouldn’t expect from a senior artist like her.

1. A new term coined?

2. Now we’re justifying the casting couch?

3. Well done, Bollywood! NOT.

4. Not done, ma’am.

5. Do not compare (that is, if you are) your personal experiences with those of others and belittle theirs in the process.

6. Victim-blaming.

7. ‘Consent’ obtained through such devious means is not really ‘consent’, is it?

8. An irresponsible statement!

https://twitter.com/minimathur/status/988636551440723973

However, it looks like the veteran dance master of the celebs has taken a u-turn. In the wake of the severe criticism, Saroj Khan has now apologised for her statement.

As for her critics, they’ve decided to find humour in in her retraction already:

There are many who’ve lauded Khan for at explicitly addressing the controversial and almost always avoided issue of casting couch in Bollywood. However, once again, her ‘good intentions’ have been marred by a rather poor choice of words and way of delivering them. A coating of tact would’ve been nice, ma’am.

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