The recent remark made by Imtiaz Ali regarding the casting couch in Bollywood did not sit well with TV writer-producer Vinta Nanda. She criticised the director for making such claims about a topic in which she had “no experience” on her Instagram account. Speaking about the casting couch issue in Bollywood at IFFI Goa, Imtiaz dismissed the idea that making concessions ensures success.
Today, Vinta shared a post on Instagram that reads, “Imtiaz Ali should stop pontificating about what women face in the entertainment industry. Naturally, a Kareena Kapoor is safe because she is privileged. And, he surely must know that the casting couch exists! Why has IFFI Goa selected him to speak on behalf of women? Is it to whitewash the truth? If men like him had the courtesy to abstain from speaking on a subject they have no experience about, one will believe that change in the taken place.”
She wrote in the caption, “It’s shocking to see reports of @imtiazaliofficial making all sorts of statements about women’s issues on an important industry platform like @iffigoa. With zero experience, he should have abstained from speaking instead. Who believes there’s no casting couch in the entertainment industry and that women are safe here Raise your hands!”
At IFFI Goa, Imtiaz reportedly told India Today, “Let me tell you, if a woman or girl cannot say ‘no,’ her chances of succeeding don’t necessarily increase.”
He adds, “It’s not like a girl will receive a role if she makes a concession. Others will appreciate a female only if she can say no and values herself. Many people, including myself, frequently question if we should take someone seriously; in order to cast her, we must respect her.”
Imtiaz’s most recent work was biopic Amar Singh Chamkila, starring Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra on Netflix.