Dear Sandeep,
I didn’t know you. I wish I did. I would have helped you get work. I’d have offered whatever financial and emotional support you needed. Because you see Sandeep, I don’t belong to this callous brutally self-serving entertainment industry where you are recognized, befriended, honoured and pampered only when you are successful.
This is an industry where barely a few days after the youngest son of an illustrious film family dies suddenly, his elder brother celebrates his birthday and also brazenly posts pictures on the social media.
If they don’t care for their brother why would they care for you? The fact is, you are better off where you are rather than being treated like a refugee in a shamelessly clannish industry powered by a handful of moneyed producers who continue to give the 10-12 A-lister stars the money that they demand.
The video that you posted hours before your death is a chilling testimony to your psychological trauma. Why didn’t anyone from the film industry take swift remedial action to save your life? So many of them are so active posting pictures of themselves in the gym, kitchen,loo, etc. Where were they when you reached out with your anguished plea for help?
Recently a television actress who survived a murderous attack has spoken of the help promised from an industry bigwig who loves to be wherever the news is.
Last year when another actor ended his life, his “friends” crawled out of the woodwork claiming to know the sensational truth about his death. In your case there will be no screaming bouts on news channels. You were not famous enough to warrant a slew of sudden mourners.
Sandeep, I’ve seen your work. You were more talented than many of the presentday stars who wear their daddy’s shoes and pretend to be actors. The tragedy of your death is the tragedy that’s killing our film industry. They don’t value talent. They value success.And success comes from opportunities.And those opportunities go only to the privileged youngsters who know how to stay in the news.
Stay at peace.And pray that you not re-born as as fringe player in the Bollywood circus.
Sincerely
Subhash K Jha