Actor Ranbir Kapoor on Tuesday was asked to comment on the allegations on casting couch, where aspiring actors are forced to extend sexual favours in exchange of roles in films.
This was on the same day noted choreographer Saroj Khan had courted controversy by justifying casting couch. When asked to comment, Ranbir said, “I have never faced it. If it’s there, it’s the worst kind.”
Ranbir was flanked by Rajkumar Hirani and Vidhu Vinod Chopra, who had accompanied him for the teaser release of Sanju. Ranbir’s comments made both Hirani and Chopra laugh out loud even on a topic as serious as casting couch.
This did not go down well with people, many of whom vented out their disgust on social media platforms.
Wow. At least should have had the decency to reply to it sincerely. Look at them laughing it off. At least have some respect towards women who might be victims of it. And please, selective outrage mat kara karo bollywood.
— gauri ? (@gaurichopra295) April 24, 2018
Look at faces of these cheap #Bollywood ppl,they are making fun on serious question #CastingCouch
— घुमक्कड़ (@wandererlko) April 24, 2018
Look at the reaction of the jokers besides him .
— Manik Gupta (@ManikGup92) April 24, 2018
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Saroj Khan had said, “This is nothing new, there’s always someone who wants to take advantage of girls. The governments do that. The people in governments do that. Why are you targeting the film industry? At least, it gives you work and doesn’t abandon you after raping the girls.”
She went on to add, “Don’t say that. Let girl decide what she wants to do. If she doesn’t want to fall in trap, she wouldn’t. Why would she sell her body when she has the talent.”
Khan’s comments evoked angry reactions on social media forcing her to issue an apology.