MUMBAI: She’s never been one who shies away from calling a spade a spade, and now she has a rather startling opinion on the ongoing debate on casting couch and sexual harassment of strugglers in the film industry.
Admitting to being a victim, Rakhi said: “When I was a struggler, yes I did face the casting couch. But it wasn’t as if every producer or director I approached was guilty. As in every walk of life, there is sexual corruption in the film industry also. As far as I was concerned, this was just in the beginning. But I had talent and I didn’t have to give in. I learnt to say no. And I used my talent as an artiste to make my way through life. I suggest all strugglers to have patience and not surrender to the temptation of shortcuts.”
Rakhi completely supports Saroj Khan in the opinion that there is no coercion involved in the case of sexual favours being exchanged.
“Nobody rapes anyone in this film industry. It’s all consensual and voluntary. In this, I fully support Sarojji. At least she has spoken her mind and let the world know the truth. People in Bollywood don’t speak out the truth about the casting couch although it is happening right here in front of their eyes. They feel they are making their way up why should they bother with what’s happening around them? I really admire Sarojji for letting 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, which comes as a shocker to us.
“Young girls are willing to make any compromise to get going in their career. A lot of girls come in the film industry to become heroines but become something else… you understand what I am saying? Call it destiny or what you will.”
She advices young aspirants by saying, “Have faith in your talent. Have patience. Don’t give in to shortcuts. I’ve seen so many girls throw themselves 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 because of their hard work and not for any other reason. The ones who take the shortcut 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 sexual compromise, but boys too who are equally prone to compromise in the entertainment and fashion industry.
“I keep telling the strugglers not to give in. I don’t want to denigrate Bollywood. But because Sarojji has raised her voice I am supporting her.”