Casting couch everywhere, Parliament not immune: Renuka Chowdhary

New Delhi: Congress leader Renuka Chowdhary on Tuesday said that casting couch was not just a reality in the film industry but that it happens everywhere.

She went on to say that even the Parliament was not immune to the practice.

"It is not just in the film industry. It happens everywhere and it is the bitter truth. Don't imagine that Parliament is immune or other work places are immune to it," Chowdhary said.

She also called upon the people of the country to stand up against the malice.

The minister was responding to Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan's shocking statements on casting couch.

Also Read: Has been happening since ages, Saroj Khan defends casting couch in Bollywood

Casting couch is a supposed practice whereby actresses are awarded parts in films or plays in return for granting sexual favours to the casting director.

Saroj Khan on Tuesday went on to defend her industry saying, “This has been happening since ages ago. Everybody tries to shame a woman, including the government. Then why are you behind the film industry? At least they provide us with bread and butter rather than leaving us in a state of despair after raping us.”

She said that a girl has a choice in the industry.

“It depends on the girl what she wants to do. If you don’t want to get trapped in the man’s desires, you won’t do it. If you have the art, then why will you sell yourself? Don’t say anything to the film industry. It is family to us.”