INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Rajkumar Hirani, Ranbir Kapoor and Vidhu Vinod Chopra at an event for Sanju
casting couch wasn't outrageous enough, actor Ranbir Kapoor has prompted criticism by appearing to make light of Ms Khan's remarks at an
event to release the teaser of his new film Sanju
Asked to comment on the casting couch, Ranbir offered neither a criticism of what Ms Khan said nor of the film industry's dirty secret -
the exchange of sexual favours for work
Instead, he joked, "I have never faced it
If it's there, it's the worst kind." In response, Sanju director Rajkumar Hirani, producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra and others on stage can be
seen doubling up with laughter
The comments thread is flooded with rebukes for Ranbir and his colleagues
"Is it a joke" asks one angry user; "What a bunch of insensitive dolts," says another
Some tweets invoked the N-word - nepotism.Watch Ranbir Kapoor on the casting couch:These are some reactions on Twitter
Saroj Khan, a National Award-winning choreographer, has been roundly slammed for appearing to defend the casting couch and saying that "at
least the film industry provides work and doesn't rape and abandon you." She also said that women consent to trading sexual favours, asking,
"Why would you sell yourself if you have talent" Ms Khan has since apologised for her comments but not in time to prevent Twitter from
Telugu actress Sri Reddy and singer Sophie Choudry have joined the chorus of outrage over what Ms Khan said
The existence of the casting couch is not in contest, no matter how tight-lipped the film industry stays
Some actors have spoken about being asked to trade sexual favours for roles, among them actor Ranveer Singh - no names have ever been named,
at least not in Bollywood
Actress Richa Chadha has spoken about why those subjected to the casting couch rarely speak up - doing so ends careers, she said.Sanju,
meanwhile, is the much-awaited biopic of controversial actor Sanjay Dutt, played in the film by Ranbir Kapoor
The cast also includes Anushka Sharma, Sonam Kapoor, Manisha Koirala and Dia Mirza
Sanju will release on June 29.
