Composer-singer Amaal Mallik recently stated that public perception of Bollywood has dramatically changed since Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, with audiences now seeing the industry as a much darker place.
A Shifting Public Perception
Amaal Mallik believes the glitz and glamour once associated with Bollywood have faded. He noted that the tragic death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput not only brought mental health struggles within the industry to light but also exposed the harsh realities faced by outsiders.
According to Mallik, the emotional connection audiences once felt with the film industry has significantly diminished. People now perceive Bollywood as a very “dark place,” a stark contrast to its former larger-than-life image.
Bollywood’s Creative Struggles
Mallik suggested that the industry is currently surviving on a trial-and-error approach, with many unable to execute even that properly. He praised a select few filmmakers, including Imtiaz Ali, Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Anees Bazmee, Anurag Basu, Anurag Kashyap, and Zoya Akhtar, for their creative vision and willingness to innovate.
He feels that genuine experimentation and courage to try new things are rare commodities in today’s Bollywood landscape.
Sushant Singh Rajput’s Lasting Impact
Reflecting on Sushant Singh Rajput’s passing, Amaal Mallik expressed a strong conviction that the industry itself contributed to his mental and emotional distress. He noted that while circumstances around his death are debated, the actor is undeniably gone.
Mallik emphasized that this incident deeply affected public sentiment towards Bollywood. He observed that even his friends, unrelated to the film world, began to view it as a “very bad place.”
Unlike previous incidents, Sushant Singh Rajput’s death was a turning point. Mallik asserted that those who faced backlash and “saw this downfall” after the event deserved it, implying a reckoning for certain industry practices.
- Public perception of Bollywood changed significantly after Sushant Singh Rajput’s death.
- Amaal Mallik believes the industry is now seen as “dark” and has lost its emotional connection with audiences.
- He feels the industry contributed to Sushant Singh Rajput’s mental struggles.
- Mallik stated that those who faced criticism post-Sushant’s death “deserved” it.
The conversation highlights a growing sentiment among some industry insiders and the public about the need for greater transparency and accountability in Bollywood.