After the shocking demise of Bollywood star
Sushant Singh Rajput, the topic of
nepotism became the talk of the town. Many celebrities in Bollywood have been expressing their thoughts on nepotism and it has become a burning issue now. When ETimes caught up with
Kannada film industry
actors
Rishi, actress
Meghana Gaonkar and director
Jayatheertha, they expressed their opinions about the issue.
'Nepotism doesn't exist in Kananda
film industry'“We, as the Kannada film industry, do more than 200 films every year. If we look at facts and figures, that itself means there is no one stopping anyone entering the industry. It’s a very demographical field, one can make a film with advance technology and get it released. In my personal experience, no one pushed me or prevented me from entering the film industry. I can tell there are struggles for outsiders and it’s because one needs to put a lot of effort to get noticed. That is the one element that a newcomer should always strive for, but once we enter the industry, it’s a level playing field and we are all equals. If audience like to see the actor on screen, and if the producers believe the actor’s work will be liked, they will also invest on the actor,” said actor Rishi.
Director Jayatheertha spoke about nepotism in the Kannada film industry and said, “I take the whole issue differently. I have worked with many people in theatres and they want their kids to follow in their path and this has continued in films and politics. I don’t think nepotism exists in the Kannada film industry. We should have a big heart to encourage people, and it should increase in Kannada film industry. I come from a family who are not linked to the film industry in any way. I was teaching, and people asked me to direct the movie and ‘
Olave Mandara
’ happened and I started getting a lot of opportunities. I didn’t choose the industry, the industry chose me. There are so many people in the industry who have grown here, and that shows nepotism doesn’t exist in the Kannada film industry.”
Actress Meghana Gaonkar also feels the same way as she too believes that nepotism doesn’t exist in the industry. The beauty said, “Nepotism does not exist in Sandalwood. It might make its presence felt every now and then as it’s natural that an actor’s children would want to be actors, nothing wrong in that. But I can proudly say that Kannada film industry is built largely on pure talent, self-driven passion and hard-working actors, writers, technicians and superstars; most of whom have come from outside and only some from the film families.”
Rishi added, “My understanding of nepotism is that it also means us favouring someone we know. And as humans, a lot of us tend to have that quality. Nepotism is in human nature, but if there is an eligible candidate, he should be encouraged. If there is a talented candidate and taking his job and giving it to others or making way to inefficient people, that is a much stronger debate and it’s problematic. The film is an open industry that anyone can come into.”
‘It’s hard for both outsiders and star kids’ Speaking about star kids as well as outsiders, actor Rishi said, “Star kids might get some opportunities, and they might have contacts with people and it shouldn’t be a problem for others. After the film comes out, it’s different. If the audience likes to see more of their work, they will express their interest and they are vocal about it if they don’t like. I see a lot of star kids who have put a lot of efforts and hard work, and it’s their right if they want to come to the film industry as it is a democratic country. We shouldn’t stop anyone from doing it, and just because the person is from the industry, being mean to them is not fair. I am completely against that. It depends on the audience, if they like it, they will watch it and if they don’t, they won’t watch it.”
He added, “There is a lot of difference between a star kid and others because the outsiders don’t know whom to meet, how to get their work showcased. Making a film actor get recognised by people is very hard, and it’s easy for the star kid. I see a lot of people being angry over producers, my view about it is different. Producers don’t take money from the government or from the public, they invest their own money by taking loans and make movies at their own risk. The producer will have rights to bring anyone into the movies and we can’t question him because no one will be responsible for his losses. Even though cinema is an artistic field, it’s also a business and investment is huge. As a producer, he needs to safeguard his money, and he will do what attracts him.”
Meghana Gaonkar too expressed her views saying, “This industry and our audience have always chosen talent. In my experience, I have not faced nepotism at all. Not coming from any film family, I have got many opportunities to prove and showcase my talent.”
Stars speaking about mental health issues“I was never aware of it or even understood depression until
Deepika Padukone spoke about her experience and how important mental health is. After that, I had some of my friends opening up to me about their experiences and now I’m learning about it and trying to be there for my loved ones in any way I can. Yes, it is a serious issue and needs to be handled with utmost care and even professional help,” said Meghana Gaonkar.
Rishi added, “After Sushanth Singh’s suicide, I feel things have gone very bad and people’s moods have been low because of the lockdown. I have even been trying to help as many people as possible by talking to some of them. But talking to all is not possible as it needs focused attention. I also recommended a few of my friends to help people. A lot of people are going through tough times, so we should take care of our mental health.”