Stop Bullying Bollywood

This is about a young man who dared to dream. An actor, successful, full of promise, charming, all of 34 who took his own life. It definitely shocks us and the matter begs to be noticed. Since Sunday India has been asking the same question as he didn't leave behind any explanation for his last adieu.

My parents introduced me to his acting when he started his journey in films. I watched couple of his movies and found him to be a very accomplished actor doing justice to his graft. 

It's even more mystifying as apparently all looked hunky dory in the star's life. In a short span of seven years he already had many noteworthy films under his belt and was well loved by audiences across the country. He had all that money could buy. Yet something extremely important seems to be missing. And what may that be? Appreciation of peers? 

The list of stars ending their lives has been growing since the last few years. Names such as Preksha Mehta, Sejal Sharma, Disha Salian have been disturbing. Sadly, now even a mega star such as Sushant Singh Rajput has joined the list of unfortunates. 

Two years ago when celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain ended his own life I was speechless. Through our televisions he had reached our homes telling us stories from far and wide which not only introduced us to food  but also to fascinating cultures across the world. And we never understood why would he throw it all away and call it quits. But the constant pressure he kept himself under to deliver an exceptional television piece every week, we could somehow understand that performance pressure got the better of him. But in Sushant's case it seems to be something even worse. Mental abuse leading to mental health issues.

   

The journey to the top is always very lonely and seldom without hurdles. As opportunities grow more and more in media youngsters move to Bollywood to try stardom. Young, talented and always vulnerable. A large number keep struggling but a talented few do make it to the top and Sushant was one of such extraordinary person. It's really sad to know world's largest number of film production machine "Bollywood" which likes to call itself an "industry" is not even aware of basic industrial laws and labour rights. 

One might say who hasn't faced politics in work place. So deal with it. As Julia Roberts, says in the film Notting Hill, "every time I have a heart break, it's headlines." The scrutiny is tremendous. But this is a rat race like no other. Here the story becomes particularly ruthless and mean.  There's no accountability for the so called "industry" wala production banners and they actually get away with murder by ragging, bullying and worst mentally abusing the youngsters. Bollywood has become a clique of few families who would go to any length to "other" you. 

With Sushant's death one thing is very clear, it's time for the "industry" to wake up and introspect, take corrective measures or Bollywood, will soon be labelled as the "torture industry" of India. Sensitive and thoughtful members of Bollywood should come forward and start a new chapter which ensures workplace without bullying, counselling support and above all human rights. Rest in Peace dear Star! Hope your life was not lost in vain Sushant!

Photo credit - internet