"It definitely does exist, the same way it exists in every other industry and profession."
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has broken his silence on the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput and the flurry of activity surrounding the investigation into the alleged issue of drugs being consumed within the Bollywood fraternity.
Akshay took to Twitter to post a video in which he highlights his feelings, sentiments and reactions around the current stigmatising cloud over Bollywood.
He admitted that there is a drug use problem in Bollywood. However, he pleaded that like in any profession where such issues exist, it does not mean the total profession is guilty of such a vice.
Hence, implying that while there are actors within Bollywood who may well be using drugs, every actor in the industry should not be tarnished with the same brush.
The video which is recorded in Hindi, is a first for such an actor to come forward and comment on recent events shrouding Bollywood.
Wearing a baseball cap, Akshay Kumar says:
“Today, I speak to you with a very heavy heart. Over the last few weeks, in my mind, I wanted to say a number of things, however, with the sheer amount of negativity around, I found it difficult to think of what to say, who to say it to and how much I should say.
“Now, despite being called ‘stars’, Bollywood has been made what it is by you and your love (the fans and audiences). We are not just one industry. Through our films, we have promoted our (Indian) country’s culture and our values to every corner of the world.
“Our films have portrayed the sentiments of our country’s people, whichever way your emotions were expressed all these years. From the rage of the angry young man, corruption, poverty or unemployment; (Indian) cinema has tried to reflect these issues in its own specific way.
“Therefore, today if your sentiments are full of anger, then we must accept your anger.”
Bahot dino se mann mein kuch baat thi lekin samajh nahi aa raha tha kya kahoon, kisse kahoon. Aaj socha aap logon se share kar loon, so here goes… #DirectDilSe ?? pic.twitter.com/nelm9UFLof
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) October 3, 2020
Akshay then went onto acknowledge the death of Sushant Singh Rajput and the impact of it, saying:
“After the sudden death of Sushant Singh Rajput, so many issues have come to light – which have impacted us all with pain as much as they have impacted you.
“These issues have forced us all to look at what is going on in our own backyard. It has forcibly led us to examine the many problems within our film industry, which must be investigated.
“Like the way, narcotics and drugs are being discussed today, how can I ‘dilse’ by putting my hand on my heart say to you that this problem does not exist. It definitely does exist, the same way it exists in every other industry and profession. However, every person in that industry or profession cannot be involved in the problem. This cannot be possible can it?”
“Drugs is a legal matter and I am fully confident that whatever action is being taken by our law enforcement authorities and the courts on this matter will be the utterly right one. I also know that every member of the film industry will fully cooperate with them.
“But please, I put my hands together and plead with you that do not view and judge the entire industry in the same derogative way.
“That is not right, it is wrong is it not?”
Akshay Kumar then highlights the media in his video post and its reactions to surrounding the issues.
“I have always had complete faith in the power of the media. If our media does not report on the right issues in a timely manner, then perhaps many people will never find a voice or get justice.
“I heartfeltly request the media to definitely continue with its work. However, please apply some sensitivity to it because one negative news can completely destroy a person’s reputation which has taken years of effort and hard work to build.”
In the final segment, he addresses his fans and enforces the message that the film industry will work much harder to build their trust and win their love, saying:
“Finally, to my fans and followers, you are the ones that have made us.
“We will not let your faith in us disappear and if you are annoyed or upset, we will work even harder to address our flaws. We will strive to win your love and trust. If you are there, so are we. Please stand by our side. Thank you. Thank you very much.”
The post has created mixed reactions on Twitter.
Many are very unhappy that he has not said anything more about Sushant Singh Rajput. Some say it is way too late, others say Akshay has done this as a publicity stunt because his next film Laxmmi Bomb is due to release in November 2020 and many of his core fans have welcomed the message.
Akshay in the past has also been accused of stealing Sushant Singh Rajput’s game idea, when he released FAU-G immediately after the PUB-G ban commenced in India.
Despite Akshay Kumar’s tweet, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in India is busy with its investigation related to the Bollywood drug ring which has been exposed out of Sushant Singh Rajput’s case’s drugs angle.
A number of A-list Bollywood stars such as Deepika Padukone, Shraddha Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan and Rakul Preet Singh have all been interviewed by the NCB and some had their phones seized.
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