Three time National Award winner and 69 year old veteran choreographer Saroj Khan who is known for her prominent work in over 2000 songs, became the eye of the storm this morning after one of her statements to a news channel went viral. The popular diva choreographer was asked her opinion on the ongoing casting-couch controversy in the Telugu Film Industry and Khan was quoted as saying,
"Let me tell you one thing. This(casting-couch system) has been going on since the days of Baba Azam (ancient). Someone or the other keeps trying their chance with every girl. Even the government tries for this. Why are you behind the film industry? Atleast it gives you food. It doesn't rape and leave you.."
She may have taken it a little further when she did not want to blame the people who practised this system and instead stated that girls always have a choice of wanting to take this route or not.
"It all depends on the girl as to what she wants to do. If you do not wish to come within the grab-hold of the person, then you will not come; If you have the art (talent) then why would you want to sell yourself? Do not take the name of the film industry, it is our mother and father (equivalent)."
Needless to say, Khan's statements received backlash in no time and the veteran was seen issuing an apology for her words which have been termed distasteful by a majority of the section.