Sushant Death: Producers Guild Of India Takes Stand For Bollywood; Writes Open Letter Urging Media ‘To Stop Fanning Flames’

The Producers Guild of India recently shared an open letter and came out in support of Bollywood on social media. Read on to know more.

New Delhi: After the tragic demise of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, several controversies stirred up in  tinsel town including the ignited debate of ‘insiders vs outsiders’. While many celebrities, who are outsiders, preferred to stay silent on this matter; some came out and shared their experience with ‘nepotism’ with the world. This debate has been going on since a long time and now the Producers Guild Of India has released an open letter, coming out in solidarity against discrimination in Bollywood. The Producers Guild Of India expressed in the letter that the Indian film industry has seen relentless attacks from across all media since few months. They also wrote that the death of a young promising star has been used by some as a tool to 'defame and slander the film industry and its members'. “A picture has been painted of the industry as a terrible place for outsiders to aspire to; a place that treats those who dare to enter it with contempt and derision; a murky den of substance abuse and criminality,” the letter read. The letter added, “Like any other sector there is no doubt that the film industry has its imperfections, and there must always be an ongoing attempt by any industry to improve upon itself, learn and evolve, while weeding out unsavoury elements or improper practices that hold it back. But to paint an entire industry with the same brush is a gross misrepresentation of reality.” Elaborating on the positive sides of the tinsel town, the statement read, “The film industry employs hundreds of thousands of people, boosts travel and tourism and is one of the most important sources of soft power for India across the world. It has entertained hundreds of millions of people for over a century and has brought joy, honour and glory to the nation. It has welcomed and embraced talent from across the country - from the worlds of literature, poetry, art and music - and has drawn them in to create a unique cinematic language.”

“The industry has contributed generously to national causes in times of need, and has readily offered its resources – name, recognition, time and funds - whenever called upon to do so, and often even without having to be called upon”, added the statement. Speaking on the personal experiences of some actors, the letter stated, “We do not negate the personal experiences of anyone from the industry, and undoubtedly many of those entering the business and seeking to establish themselves have faced numerous hardships, struggles and disappointments in the course of building a career here. But that is no different from the challenges and obstacles faced by new entrants in any field that they are not born into - be it politics, law, business, medicine or the media.” “There are scores of talented actors, directors, writers, musicians, cinematographers, editors, sound designers, production designers, costume designers, art directors and numerous other film professionals across multiple disciplines who have had absolutely no connection to the industry, but who have flourished and produced inspiring and pathbreaking work, which has defined -- and then redefined -- Indian cinema.” The open letter stated that Bollywood is a place that ultimately rewards the talent, work ethic and the ability to connect with the audience regardless of anything. The letter further stated, “While it is undoubtedly more difficult for those on the outside to get that first chance to display their talent - with perseverance, persistence and a little bit of luck - you can and do succeed.” Watch this space for the latest updates.