INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Saroj Khan at Sridevi's funeral in Mumbai.New Delhi:
Saroj Khan's unabashed defence of the casting couch
on Tuesday made the Internet face-palm
Saroj Khan, who is one of Bollywood's top choreographers, said that the casting couch is "age-old" and added: "At least the film industry
gives work, doesn't rape and abandon." Saroj Khan apologised for the comments but the damage was done
Speaking to news agency PTI, Saroj Khan said: "I have already said I am sorry
But you don't know the question that was asked And now there's so much ruckus." Sri Reddy, who recently staged a nude protest against the
casting couch in Chennai, and Sophie Choudry condemned Saroj Khan's statement
"I lost respect for you Saroj ma'am
It is giving a wrong indication that you have to be a slave to producers," Sri Reddy told news agency ANI
Sophie Choudry countered Saroj Khan's statement, in which she also said that artistes have a choice, and tweeted: "Nobody wants to sleep
But they are made to feel it's the only way and "acceptable"
And for those who don't, it's a tough road! This has to stop." Here's what Saroj Khan told reporters on Tuesday:Saroj Khan's defence of
the casting couch infuriated Twitter as well
"Who gave her the right to speak anything unjust and shameless like this," read one angry tweet
Another incensed Twitter user tweeted: "What's wrong with this woman, has she lost it completely
How can she defend casting couch! It's akin to defending rape!" However, a section of the Internet sided with Saroj Khan and said,
"She's not wrong." Here are some tweets in Saroj Khan's defence. Saroj Khan is a three-time National Award winning choreographer
She choreographed most of Madhuri Dixit's hit numbers (Ek Do Teen, Dhak Dhak Karne Laga, Choli ke Peeche and Tamma Tamma Loge) in the
She has also worked with Rani Mukerji, Aamir Khan, Kajol, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Raveena Tandon among others.Saroj Khan was also the
judge of reality shows Nahc Baliye 5 and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa
