Never one to shy away from calling a spade a shovel, Rakhi Sawant now has a rather startling opinion on the ongoing debate about the casting couch.
“When I was a struggler, yes I did face the casting couch. But it wasn’t as if every producer or director I approached was guilty. As in every walk of life, there is sexual corruption in the film industry also,” Sawant said. “As far as I was concerned, this was just in the beginning. But I had talent and I didn’t have to give in. I learnt to say no. And I used my talent as an artist to make my way through life. I suggest all strugglers to have patience and not surrender to the temptation of shortcuts.”
Sawant said she supports Saroj Khan in the opinion that there is no coercion involved when sexual favours are exchanged.
“Nobody rapes anyone in this film industry. It’s all consensual and voluntary. In this, I fully support Saroj ji. At least she has spoken her mind and let the world know the truth,” Sawant said. “People in Bollywood don’t speak out the truth about the casting couch although it is happening right here in front of their eyes. They feel they are making their way up why should they bother with what’s happening around them? I really admire Saroj ji for letting the world know the reality that they have to face every day. Saroj ji has seen what goes here.”
Sawant also revealed how rampant sexual favours are in the film industry.
“Young girls are willing to make any compromise to get going in their career,” she said, adding in Hindi, “Girls these days are ready to do anything to get work. Why to blame producers for this?”
“A lot of girls come in the film industry to become heroines but become something else... you understand what I am saying? Call it destiny or what you will,” Sawant said.
However, she added that aspiring actors shouldn’t give up.
“Have faith in your talent. Have patience. Don’t give in to shortcuts. I’ve seen so many girls throw themselves at producers. This is not good... Salman Khan and Priyanka Chopra are superstars because of their hard work and not for any other reason. The ones who take the shortcut end up on a different track altogether. Don’t do this to yourself. And don’t blame producers for taking what you have to offer,” she said.
“I keep telling the strugglers not to give in. Lekin kya karenge, Mumbai hai hi itni expensive city [But what to do, Mumbai is very expensive]. I don’t want to denigrate Bollywood. But because Saroj ji has raised her voice I am supporting her.”
