NEW DELHI – Admitting to being a victim of Bollywood dirty secrets, topactress Rakhi Sawant said: “When I was a struggler, yes I did face thecasting couch. But it wasn’t as if every producer or director I approachedwas guilty. As in every walk of life, there is sexual corruption in thefilm industry also. As far as I was concerned, this was just in thebeginning. But I had talent and I didn’t have to give in. I learnt to sayno. And I used my talent as an artiste to make my way through life. Isuggest all strugglers to have patience and not surrender to the temptationof shortcuts.”
Rakhi completely supports Saroj Khan in the opinion that there is nocoercion involved in the case of sexual favours being exchanged.
“Nobody rapes anyone in this film industry. It’s all consensual andvoluntary. In this, I fully support Sarojji. At least she has spoken hermind and let the world know the truth. People in Bollywood don’t speak outthe truth about the casting couch although it is happening right here infront of their eyes. They feel they are making their way up why should theybother with what’s happening around them? I really admire Sarojji forletting the world know the reality that they have to face every day.Sarojji has seen what goes here. I totally agree with her.”
Rakhi reveals how rampant sexual favours are in the film industry, whichcomes as a shocker to us.
“Young girls are willing to make any compromise to get going in theircareer. A lot of girls come in the film industry to become heroines butbecome something else… you understand what I am saying? Call it destiny orwhat you will.”
She advices young aspirants by saying, “Have faith in your talent. Havepatience. Don’t give in to shortcuts. I’ve seen so many girls throwthemselves at producers. This is not good. I don’t want to take any names.It shouldn’t be so. Salman Khan and Priyanka Chopra are superstars becauseof their hard work and not for any other reason. The ones who take theshortcut 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.”
The actor added that it’s not just girls who are casualties of sexualcompromise, but boys too who are equally prone to compromise in theentertainment and fashion industry.