Saroj Khan defends casting couch, says 'provides livelihood'; later apologises

The 69-year-old, who has choreographed more than 2000 songs in her career, further said the 'tradition' has been going on since centuries and blaming just Bollywood is unfair.

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New Delhi: Hours after choreographer Saroj Khan faced flak for her comment favouring casting-couch; she sought an apology for the same and took back her comment. She also clarified that her statement came in accordance to the question. Defending the practice of casting couch in the film industry, veteran choreographer Saroj Khan had said it's done with consent and at least provides livelihood. The 69-year-old, who has choreographed more than 2000 songs in her career, further said the 'tradition' has been going on since centuries and blaming just Bollywood is unfair. "This is going on from 'baba Adam's times', it is not new. Someone or the other always tries to take an advantage of a girl. The government officilas do it too, then why are we only behind the film industry? It provides livelihood at least," she said. Further putting her view forward, she said as to why would anyone want to sell herself if she is confident about her talent. "Does not rape and leave you. It is up to the girl, what she wants to do. If you don't want to fall into wrong hands, you won't. If you are talented, why would you sell yourself? Don't blame the film industry's name, it is everything to us," she said