Sushant case: Producer's Guild issues statement, accuses media of 'defaming' film industry

Amid high-volt discourse over  death of Sushant Singh Rajput and inner culture of Bollywood, a key filmmakers' body -Producer's Guild of India, on Friday, has decried "relentless attacks on reputation of  Indian film industry" following actor's demise. It has also slammed "concerted effort" over perceived 'singling out' of film industry for alleged nepotism and blocking outside talent to bloom.

In an open letter, Guild alleged that Sushant Singh Rajput's death "has been used by some as a tool to defame and slander film industry and its members." It has accused  media of painting film industry as a terrible place for outsiders to aspire and slammed "salacious narrative" meant "to boost its ratings, readership and p views."

"Being born into industry most definitely affords you privilege of access and a first break, but after that it is up to each individual talent, hard work and drive to propel m forward,"  Siddharth Roy Kapur-headed organisation said, in reference to simmering nepotism debate. It also slammed portrayal of Bollywood as "a murky den of substance abuse and criminality" amid allegations of widespread narcotics use among industry insiders.

tably, several Bollywood filmstars like Kangana Ranaut have called out  industry's nepotistic culture which has heated up 'insider-outsider' debate on social media.

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Here is whole letter:

last few months have seen relentless attacks on reputation of Indian film industry across all media. tragic death of a promising young star has been used by some as a tool to defame and slander film industry and its members. A picture has been painted of industry as a terrible place for outsiders to aspire to; a place that treats those who dare to enter it with contempt and derision, a murky den of substance abuse and criminality. This narrative is salacious eugh for media to exploit to great effect in order to boost its ratings, readership and p views.

But it is t truth.

Like any or sector, re is doubt that film industry has its imperfections, and re must always be an ongoing attempt by any industry to improve upon itself, learn and evolve, while weeding out unsavoury elements or improper practices that hold it back. But to an entire industry with same brush is a gross misrepresentation of reality.

film industry employs hundreds of thousands of people, boosts travel and tourism and is one of most important sources of soft power for India across world. It has entertained hundreds of millions of people for over a century and has brought joy, hour and glory to nation. It has welcomed and embraced talent from across country - from worlds of literature, poetry, art and music and has drawn m in to create a unique cinematic langu. This has ensured that we are one of few countries in world to still have a vibrant and thriving local film industry across multiple langus, despite decades-long onslaught of Hollywood. industry has contributed generously to national causes in times of need, and has readily offered its resources - name recognition, time and funds - whenever called upon to do so, and often even without having to be called upon.

We do t negate personal experiences of anyone from industry, and undoubtedly many of those entering business and seeking to establish mselves have faced numerous hardships, struggles and disappointments in course of building a career here. But that is different from challenges and obstacles faced by new entrants in any field that y are t born into - be it politics, law, business, medicine or media.

However, a concerted effort has been made to single out film industry as one that specifically inhibits and prohibit new talent from outside from thriving. This could t be furr from truth. re are scores of talented actors, directors, writers, musicians, cinematographers, editors, sound designers, production designers, costume designers, art directors and numerous or film professionals across multiple disciplines who have had absolutely connection to industry, but who have flourished and produced inspiring and pathbreaking work, which has defined - and n redefined - Indian cinema. Being born into industry most definitely affords you privilege of access and a first break, but after that it is up to each individual talent, hard work and drive to propel m forward.

This is to let all aspirants to film industry kw that y should t be misled by clickbait journalism currently being peddled to advance sensationalized narrative that film industry is a terrible place to aspire to work in. This is a place that ultimately rewards your talent, work ethic and ability to connect with an audience - regardless of your religion, , caste or ecomic strata. While it is undoubtedly more difficult for those on outside to get that first chance to display ir talent with perseverance, persistence and a little bit of luck - you can and do succeed. re are too many examples to enumerate across more than a century, of outsiders to industry who are shining testament to this fact.

se are difficult times for our country and world, so rar than venting our fears and frustrations on each or with vile and vicious trolling, it is more important than ever to come toger instead of tearing each or apart. Members of industry on both sides of this debate, especially women, have been subjected to rape threats and death threats. This is unacceptable and must stop w.

media must look in mirror and stop fanning flames. re are some things more important than advertising revenues and ratings - things like common human decency. Let's show we still have some.

In solidarity,

Producers Guild of India.

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