The casting couch is a myth, says Arjun Sablok

Mumbai, Dec 18 (IANS) Starlet Rakhi Sawant claims filmmaker Arjun Sablok had asked her to reveal her "assets" at an audition for his first film "Na Tum Jaano Na Hum".

But Arjun, whose second film "Neal 'N' Nikki" features Tanisha Mukerji in some of the skimpiest outfits ever shown on screen, is far from red-faced.

He says: "If a particular actress is required to do a certain amount of skin show for my film, I'd certainly want to make sure that she has the attributes to look aesthetic.

"'Na Tum Jaano Na Hum' had lots of very hot babes from Achala Sachdev to Rakhi Sawant parading their assets on screen. Now my 'Neal 'N' Nikki also has a bevy of beauties making fleeting appearance. And yes, we did audition them before allowing them to be displayed as dishy divas on screen.

"Having said that I will have to disappoint those who are looking for further titillation in this story. I didn't personally audition Rakhi or any of girls in 'Na Tum Jaano Na Hum'.

"It was my assistant Maria who supervised Rakhi's audition. In fact, there are three male and three female assistants for the male and female actors."

Arjun shoots down the theory that female wannabes are exploited.

He says: "The casting couch is a myth, as far as I'm concerned. I won't give any actress a role just because she's willing to oblige. Are you nuts? Do you think any filmmaker would risk millions on a quickie? Rakhi Sawant was chosen because she suited the role in 'Na Tum Jaano...'

"In fact, she has shown me a great deal of respect by saying I never touched her. I like her spirit and her determination to make the best of what she's got. Everyone is entitled to use his or her talents. Rakhi is doing just that."

His new film "Neal 'N' Nikki has as many as 21 beauties from all over the world.

"We auditioned hordes of ladies for all the 21 parts. And none of them is Rakhi Sawant," Arjun ends with a glint in the eye.

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Neal 'n' Nikki