Eijaz, who has worked in films like “Tanu Weds Manu Returns” and “Lucky Kabootar” besides appearing in several TV shows, shared the difficulties that come with being a celebrity and has given an insight to the turmoil that actors go through no matter how famous they become.
Here is what Eijaz posted on his Facebook page:
A lot is being said about the heartbreaking demise of a young, 24 year old girl. Risking the assumption from the intelligentsia , that another disgrace is pimping a tragedy, I sit here to write my two bits. What might give me some authority is the fact that I've been there a couple of times.
Why does one become an ‘actor’ ? I think its because as individuals, they are so uncomfortable in their own skin, unhappy of who or what they are, that their only form of ‘escapism’ is to live/portray someone completely different . ( escapism - remember that ) . They are inherently unstable elements and eventually lead turbulent lives. Professional and especially personal. Look around you. Look beyond the glamorous arc lights. How many ‘good’, ‘successful’ actors do you think have stability. As a dancer, I had the rare insight in the lives of some of our biggest stars. I understand agreeing to disagree about this point is healthy. Let me explain.
To ‘act’ one needs potential energy. Lots of it. Even our Atom, the smallest particle of any substance that can exist , only has energy to release if it is at an unstable state. Apply that principle to Life.
TV actors are amazing. Overnight success. Overnight fame , fortune , adulation . You have to start taking yourself very seriously. You are sure that the higher you get, the lesser people understand you. I , me , myself take precedence over family and true friends.You feel entitled to a unique set of yardsticks. The fact that you have started living under a public microscope adds pressure to live that perfect life. This happens so fast that no amount of training can actually ready you. The pressure leads to insecurity. Insecurity of losing or keeping up with all you have. And when all of this is coupled with a heart break or lost love it gets dangerous.What coping mechanism can one resort to? Mostly ESCAPISM. Which in turn leads to self-doubt, lack of self worth… depression. Hardly a week goes by without a celebrity ‘opening up’ about their Struggle. Well heres a me-too.
I have been Alice tumbling down that dark rabbit hole a few times. I lost time. Lost faith. I lost some of the most important people in my life. I felt alone and only wanted the hurt to end. But a few stood by and helped me crawl out. This is a shout out for those potential rare gems , the friends and family who can be these ‘few people’. The ones who feel helpless in hindsight. I can only share what worked for me.
BE THERE UNCONDITIONALLY.
HEAR THEM OUT.
MAKE SURE YOU LET THEM KNOW HE OR SHE IS NOT ALONE.
AND YOU CARE.
BE PROACTIVE.
AND PLEASE BE THERE FOR THE LONG HAUL.
Look out for the signs because no amount #PrayFOR will bring them back. I’ve been there, done that. I’m still breathing. RIP #PratyushaBanerjee. May you finally find peace.
Pratyusha, who shot to fame with the portrayal of Anandi in hit TV series "Balika Vadhu", was found dead at her home on April 1, in what appeared to be a case of suicide.
The reason for the extreme step is not yet known, but Pratyusha was reportedly facing problems in her relationship with Rahul, who is a TV producer.