Film maker Imtiaz Ali has been under fire for his comments about casting couch in Bollywood and was even called out by filmmaker-writers Vinta Nanda who questioned him for speaking on behalf of the women. Now the filmmaker has noted that anger has come his way and said his words were misunderstood. Also read: Filmmaker Vinta Nanda slams Imtiaz Ali for his comment on casting couch in Bollywood: “Kareena Kapoor is safe because…”

Imtiaz breaks the silence

The filmmaker took to Instagram Story to react to the uproar caused by his statements and being scolded by Vinta. He retweeted a story about Vinta’s criticism to share his side of the story.

Sharing his clarification, Imtiaz said, “Oh, there seems to be a misunderstanding that I need to clear up. I have not denied or questioned the mass of harassment that Vinta ji and many other friends have talked about; in fact, these incidents are deeply disturbing and must be dealt with seriously and consistent.”

“I pointed out that it is doubly frustrating that the entire film industry, all the hundreds of men on each set who are otherwise remarkably well-behaved, are given a bad name for a few actions. Of course, terrible things have happened and continue to happen and they are shameful – as an industry and nation we should have a zero tolerance policy against them. We must uphold our honor together and regardless of gender,” he added.

Imtiaz comments on casting couch

Imtiaz spoke on the issue of couch casting in Bollywood at IFFI Goa, where he shrugged off the notion that compromise guarantees success.

“I have been a director in the Hindi film industry for 15-20 years. I’ve heard a lot about the cast sofa. A girl comes in, she’s scared and she feels the need to compromise. Let me tell you, if a woman or girl can’t say “no”, that doesn’t necessarily increase her chances of success. It is not like if a girl compromises, she will definitely get a role,” he said as reported by India Today.

The director emphasized the importance of self-respect. He shared, “If a girl can say ‘no’ and respect herself, only then others will respect her too. People like me and many others often think whether we take someone seriously or not; we have to respect a person because to throw her”.

Vinta slaps Imtiaz

The statement of Imtiaz, known for films like Love Aaj Kal, Highway, Jab We MetJab Harry Met Sejal, and Laila Majnu, did not go down well with everyone.

Vinta posted a statement on Instagram that read: “Imtiaz Ali should stop pontificating about what women face in the entertainment industry. Of course, a Kareena Kapoor is safe because she is privileged. And he must know that the casting couch exists! Why has IFFI Goa chosen him to speak on behalf of women? Is it to whitewash the truth? If men like him had the courtesy to refrain from speaking on a subject of which they have no experience, it will be believed that the change has taken place.”

In the caption, she tagged Imtiaz Ali and wrote, “It’s shocking to see reports of @imtiazaliofficial making all sorts of statements on women’s issues on an important industry platform like @iffigoa. With zero experience he should have refrained from speaking out. Who thinks that there is no casting couch in the entertainment industry and that women are safe here Raise your hands!”