Choreographer Saroj Khan defends casting couch, says industry do not abandon after rape

Feminism is the radical notion that women are human beings once said activist Cheris Kramarae in a sardonic commentary on how simple, yet deep-rooted the issue was. We talk about sexism, the belief that women can't do some jobs, the women can't be fighter pilots, that they belong in the kitchen, that they can't be trusted even with the vote, that's been a long fight. Then there is a war on sexual crimes, where men think they can get away with it, that somehow women are to be blamed for inviting rape, or the way they dress, where they are, what time they are there is a question on their characters and therefore boys will be boys. That's another long fight. Then there's this one, that some men in positions of power think that demanding sex is a justified and even somehow usual right of passage. Today the legendary Bollywood choreographer made an all most matter-of-fact statement. Yes it happens, but it's up to girls to reject such offers. No, it's actually up to men not to make such sick offers. It's not the girls to blame, that if they accept they're gold diggers, if they reject their talent or merit should die on the altar of doing the right thing. It's madness. Today we're facing college students in Tamil Nadu being told by professors to provide sex for marks, starlets sex for stardom, from sexual harassment in the corporate world, to rapist Mla’s in the political world. It leaves a reasoned person left in shock and horror. We can either say, well, this happens, that's how it works, let's deal with it. Or we can choose to say no, nahin chalta hai, this has to be fought and stopped. Men in power who think they have some god given right to demand sex, should be sent to hell where they belong. How do we ensure that, that's the question.