Let's be real, entertainment is second only to bread and butter in India. Bollywood has a huge fan following not just in metros and among the elites, but also in the rural areas, hinterlands, and Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Bollywood is the sole means of entertainment among many. The very fact that so many people engaged with Sushant's death is because he was a part of Bollywood. So many smaller TV stars also commit suicide, but that goes by almost unnoticed.
The real problem is that our vision is corrupted to a great extent by the mainstream media. People like Karan Johar end up controlling the narrative because they have practically hijacked every point of the supply chain. It's time to sit back and introspect on how we can reclaim the narrative. If this incident has taught me anything, it's how much visibility matters when it comes to perception and how corrupted ours are.
I am anti-nepotism, but not anti-Bollywood. And that too, not against nepotism when it gives us competent products like Hrithik and Ranbir who are invested in the craft and don't take their audiences for granted. I would rather watch a Ranbir Kapoor than a Vidyut Jamwal any day. At the same time, I am aware of who the hyped products of nepotism are, and the overrated aspect which comes with the package. I have the right to critique those.
The audience can make or break stars. Let's not forget the real power lies with the audience. Having said that, I believe audience IS often swayed by elaborate marketing by the bigwigs. There is something called supplier-induced demand, where you can be persuaded to like someone through elaborate marketing. That's what makes mediocre stars like Jhanvi, Ananya and Sara the most hyped up members of their generation, and reduces the visibility of say a Tripti or a Tara.
Let's just hope the real issues are not forgotten and we value good quality content, no matter where it is coming from. Also respect and understand the fact that Bollywood provides emplyment to millions. A simple boycott is not so simple, it will affect livelihoods of many.
Let's start with being more responsible consumers of content, and develop our critical faculties. That way, we will be giving the best tribute to Sushant, something he himself would have wanted. As he said, nepotism can co-exist with talent. His own words, not mine.
Feel free to agree/disagree/comment/discuss.
1