While the Harvey Weinstein scandal has shaken up the Hollywood film industry, actor Irrfan Khan says that things are not much different here in Bollywood. The actor recently revealed that he too was asked to make compromises in his initial days as an actor. “It has happened with me a lot of times. It won’t be good to take names but a lot of times it has been hinted to me and sometimes I have been told clearly that if I compromise I’ll get the job. But now it doesn’t happen,” said Irrfan.
He further added that things get particularly confusing when the offers come from known people. “It (invitation) has come from both, males and females. It becomes slightly weird because when people you know and respect a lot, give you such offers, you feel that the dynamics of the relationship will change. That’s the sad part. But I have the power to accept or refuse them,” he said. “You do experience these things. A person might propose ‘If you sleep with me I’ll give you work’, but you have the power to say no. Such indications are given to both men and women, but women face it more. Yes, if it is happening without consent or forcefully, then it’s extremely saddening,” he added.
“If there is a person who is repeatedly doing these things, he must be exposed. It’s necessary to talk about him,” said Irrfan. He also added that a person's behaviour is a reflection of the society. “To sexually exploit someone is a disease in itself. It reflects the dynamics of our society - that it’s sexually suppressed. As far as sexual exploitations go, the one who has more power, will exploit the other gender.... Exploitation is not the key factor, it’s the suppression. People should be allowed to mingle. The government or any other body is no one to pass judgements,” he concluded.
(Also read: Tanuja Chandra on Irrfan Khan: He brings this character, this oddball to life)Stay tuned for more updates.
